Orthoformic acid

Orthoformic acid

Names
IUPAC name Orthoformic acid
Systematic IUPAC name Methanetriol
Other names Trihydroxymethane
Identifiers
CAS Number	463-78-5 N
3D model (Jmol)	Interactive image
ChemSpider	4401409 Y
PubChem	5231666
InChI InChI=1S/CH4O3/c2-1(3)4/h1-4H Y Key: RLAHWVDQYNDAGG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Y InChI=1/CH4O3/c2-1(3)4/h1-4H Key: RLAHWVDQYNDAGG-UHFFFAOYAS
SMILES OC(O)O
Properties
Chemical formula	CH4O3
Molar mass	64.04 g·mol−1
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
N  (what is YN ?)
Infobox references

Not to be confused with methanethiol.

Orthoformic acid or methanetriol is a hypothetical compound with the formula HC(OH)₃. In this molecule, the central carbon is bound to one hydrogen and three hydroxyl groups.

Orthoformic acid has not been isolated to date, and is believed to be unstable, decomposing into water and formic acid.

Methanetriol esters, known as orthoformates, are well known and commercially available. Like acetals, they are stable towards bases but easily hydrolyzed in acidic conditions to the alcohol and an ester of formic acid. They are used as mild dehydrating agent. Especially well known are trimethyl orthoformate, triethyl orthoformate, and triisopropyl orthoformate.