A SHORT-CHAIN ESTER FROM SEED OIL OF CARDIOSPERMUM HALICACABUM L

Methyl esters prepared from the seed oil of Cardiospermum halicacabum L. yielded a small amount of a volatile ester, C6H18O5. The molecular weight was confirmed by the mass spectrum. Examination by i.r. and NMR spectra indicated the probable structure as methyl 4,4-dimethoxy-3-(methoxymethyl)butyrate (I). Comparison of the spectra with those of methyl 9,9-dimethoxynonanoate and evidence of a lactone on hydrolysis provided additional support for this structure. The compound is presumed to exist in the oil as part of a glyceride or glyceryl ether and to be converted into the dimethylacetal ester during the interesterification treatment. © 1968.