1-Bromo-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzene: A Practical Perspective
Historical Development
Work on fluorinated aromatic compounds started picking up speed after the mid-20th century. Researchers fast realized that swapping out the hydrogen atoms in benzene rings with fluorine atoms often gave rise to new chemical behaviors. The addition of bromine to pentafluorobenzene created 1-Bromo-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzene, a substance that attracted attention because it opened doors for fine-tuned chemical transformations. Chemists in both academic and industrial settings began exploring how to make use of its unique reactivity, especially once organofluorine chemistry grew in importance for pharmaceuticals and materials science.
Product Overview
This compound comes as a clear, slightly yellow liquid under typical conditions. Its structure is simple: a benzene ring with five positions occupied by fluorine atoms, and a single bromine atom in the remaining slot. That setup looks unassuming, but the high electronegativity of fluorine and the presence of bromine build in significant chemical leverage. Chemists prize compounds like this for building more complex molecules where selective substitution or reactivity is needed.
Physical & Chemical Properties
1-Bromo-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzene usually boils at about 153–155°C and melts just below room temperature, often around 9°C. The density falls between 1.87 and 1.90 g/cm3 at 20°C. This dense, colorless to light yellow liquid resists water but dissolves in organic solvents such as dichloromethane, acetonitrile, and ether. The electron-withdrawing fluorines lower the electron density of the ring, shifting the local environment and substantially reducing nucleophilicity. That property increases the stability of the molecule but also means it reacts differently than its non-fluorinated counterparts.
Technical Specifications & Labeling
Producers commonly supply 1-Bromo-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzene as ≥98% pure material, ensuring suitability for precise chemical synthesis. Bottles bear hazard warnings due to the risk of skin and respiratory irritation. The labeling must indicate that the liquid should be handled in a well-ventilated space or fume hood. Catalog numbers and safety symbols are mandatory, along with batch-specific details like storage conditions—usually recommended below 25°C, away from direct light and moisture.
Preparation Method
Lab synthesis often starts with pentafluorobenzene, subjecting it to bromination using reagents like bromine in the presence of iron or another catalyst. The electron-withdrawing power of the fluorine atoms directs bromination almost exclusively to the only available (non-fluorinated) carbon. Careful control of temperature and addition rate minimizes polybromination. Researchers have explored greener alternatives, using phase-transfer catalysis and less hazardous brominating agents, reducing waste and improving yield.
Chemical Reactions & Modifications
The aryl bromide bond presents a launchpad for robust coupling reactions. Suzuki, Stille, and Ullmann reactions run efficiently on this substrate, allowing scientists to introduce a variety of functional groups. The pentafluorinated ring, on the other hand, makes direct substitutions slow without the right activation, adding selectivity in stepwise syntheses. In the hands of an experienced chemist, the molecule can form the core of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, or advanced materials. Recent literature explores photoredox conversions, nickel catalysis, and even electrochemical arylations building on this framework.
Synonyms & Product Names
You may encounter names such as Perfluorophenyl bromide, Pentafluorophenyl bromide, and Pentafluorobromobenzene in catalogues and research databases. The CAS registry number is typically listed to ensure accurate ordering, minimizing mix-ups caused by the proliferation of naming conventions in global chemical trade.
Safety & Operational Standards
Anyone handling 1-Bromo-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzene needs gloves, goggles, and trusted lab ventilation. The low volatility cuts risk from inhalation, but splashing or exposure can cause irritation. Spills should be contained and cleaned with absorbent material, then disposed of according to local hazardous waste regulations. SDS (Safety Data Sheet) guidance requires prompt action after accidental contact. Because aryl bromides can form toxic byproducts during burning or decomposition, never heat the substance without proper controls. Laboratories follow GHS classification and standardized hazard pictograms, not just for compliance but for worker safety and environmental responsibility.
Application Area
Industries pull this molecule into roles that depend on its peculiar reactivity. It forms the backbone of ligands in asymmetric catalysis, tailors electronic properties in advanced polymers, and serves as a precursor in the development of specialty pharmaceutical intermediates and imaging agents. The dense confluence of fluorine atoms resists metabolic degradation, making it valuable for drugs and diagnostics that must persist in harsh in vivo conditions. Industrial users scale up batch processes using continuous flow systems to manage safety and throughput, especially as demand grows.
Research & Development
Scientists continually probe the boundaries of what fluorinated aromatics like this can achieve. Research labs test these compounds in cross-coupling reactions to make designer molecules more efficiently. Material science groups, particularly in Asia and Europe, evaluate organofluorine motifs for semiconductors, OLEDs, and fluorinated ion-exchange membranes. The molecule’s electronic characteristics offer an edge in forming charge-transport layers, battery additives, and corrosion-resistant coatings. In the pharmaceutical sphere, efforts focus on integrating such motifs into candidate drugs with improved potency or bioavailability.
Toxicity Research
Early tests flagged modest toxicity for 1-Bromo-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzene. Acute inhalation or ingestion is rare but may impact respiratory or digestive systems. Skin and mucous membrane irritation rank as the primary hazard in the lab. Long-term bioaccumulation appears low, because extensive fluorination blocks metabolic pathways used by enzymes that typically degrade aromatic rings in organisms. Despite modest production and targeted use, ongoing studies monitor breakdown products and chronic exposure risks, given that related compounds sometimes show environmental persistence.
Future Prospects
Demand for tailored organofluorine chemicals doesn’t show signs of slowing down. With tighter environmental controls on industrial fluorochemicals, the next challenge involves making 1-Bromo-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzene from renewable sources or under milder, less toxic conditions. Chemists look for catalysts that boost atom economy and shrink the ecological footprint of each batch. The push for greener synthesis balances economic pressure and regulatory trends. Research keeps finding new applications, especially as electronics, medicine, and sustainable agriculture push for more sophisticated molecular tools. Engineers, manufacturers, and academic chemists must work together, swapping traditional methods for processes that cut waste and energy use while keeping the door open for breakthrough chemistries.
The Structure Unpacked
Some names in chemistry read like a riddle. Take 1-Bromo-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzene. It describes a benzene ring carrying a bromine atom at one position, with fluorine atoms filling all the other ring spots. The chemical formula boils down to C6BrF5. Just looking at the name, you get a guided tour of the molecule—six carbon atoms forming a ring, one spot taken by bromine, the rest covered in fluorine flags. A tiny shift in where those atoms go would give you an entirely different substance.
Why Chemists Value This Molecule
Short and sweet: halogenated benzenes—especially those loaded with fluorine—show up everywhere from industry labs to pharmaceutical research. Companies often seek out molecules like 1-Bromo-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzene as building blocks. Those five fluorines toughen up the molecule, resisting breakdown, while the bromine can jump in and swap places through classic organic chemistry tricks. That opens the door to crafting more complicated precision tools, including active compounds for certain drugs or front-line crop protection products.
The Fluorine Effect
Chemists talk a lot about how fluorine changes everything. Scientists have spent decades digging into why these heavily fluorinated molecules matter. The carbon–fluorine bond holds some of the strongest energy in organic chemistry. That means molecules that show up with lots of fluorines stick around—sometimes too long. Companies rely on this stubbornness for high-performance plastics, non-stick coatings, and life-saving drugs. Still, this resilience sparks heated debates about environmental impact, since these compounds resist breaking down in nature.
From Bench to Business
The labs where I trained saw endless fascination with these halogenated benzenes. Getting the bromine in the right spot and saturating the rest of the ring with fluorine doesn’t just challenge a chemist’s hands; it tests patience. The hunt for efficient ways to produce C6BrF5 sparked improvisation. Older approaches drenched labs in corrosive chemicals and tricky waste. Modern methods have started to pivot—smarter catalysts, better containment, and a steady push for greener processes. Safer ways to handle halogen chemistry keep rising up the research agenda.
What the Future Could Look Like
Strong regulations now shape what chemists can do, especially where large-scale use meets environmental stewardship. New research tries to balance the rewards of these molecules with a thoughtful approach to waste, recycling, and monitoring. Partnerships between industry and academia look for ways to tame the legacy of “forever chemicals” without killing off innovation. The unique chemistry of C6BrF5—hardy, adaptable, but persistent—stands as another challenge for the next wave of breakthroughs. As young researchers dive in, they see not just a formula but an open-ended puzzle demanding both creativity and responsibility.
The Niche World of Fluorinated Building Blocks
Working in chemical synthesis, I’ve noticed certain chemicals seem niche until you dig just a bit deeper. 1-Bromo-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzene falls into that camp. It doesn’t grab headlines the way pharmaceuticals or big polymers do, but it forms a foundation for many discoveries just the same.
A Springboard for Advanced Molecules
This compound sees repeated use in the research lab. Chemists choose it due to the reactivity of the bromine atom paired with the electron-withdrawing influence of all those fluorines. The mix results in a molecule primed for cross-coupling reactions—think Suzuki, Stille, or Negishi. Each of those methods helps attach various groups onto the aromatic ring. Because of that, you find it’s a go-to intermediate for designing new molecules. Professors or graduate students, for instance, often start with it to explore new catalysts or examine how fluorine atoms affect a reaction pathway.
A good chunk of the medicinal chemistry work starts with simple building blocks and then tweaks structure to check for new effects. Adding fluorines often changes biological activity, helping make the molecule more resistant to metabolic breakdown in the body. Whenever scientists want to test out what happens if you stick a new group onto a pentafluorophenyl core, this bromo-compound pops up as a frequent choice.
High-Performance Polymers and Specialty Materials
Many specialty plastics depend on custom monomers. Pentafluorophenyl groups bring thermal stability and chemical resistance, so polymer chemists look for easy ways to insert them into new materials. 1-Bromo-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzene serves as a stepping stone. After converting the bromo group, you can knit the aromatic unit into a longer chain or crosslink it with other monomers. This tactic pops up in everything from protecting coatings on electronics to membranes for fuel cells.
I also see research using it in the growing field of “molecular electronics.” Devices at the single-molecule scale demand precise control. Subtle shifts in fluorine arrangement can swing electrical properties, so this compound becomes a key ingredient for tuning performance in experimental devices.
Analytical Chemistry and Tracers
Fluorinated aromatics offer sharp, clean signatures in spectroscopic analysis. Analytical chemists take advantage of these features when they need tracers or standards. The bromine makes the molecule easy to pick out using mass spectrometry, while the fluorines keep it from blending in with natural aromatic compounds. That’s useful both for checking instrument calibration and for following reaction pathways in environmental or biological samples.
Addressing Safety and Handling Concerns
Handling fluorinated aromatics with reactive groups calls for extra care. Brominated and highly fluorinated substances may create hazardous by-products, especially if burned or disposed of incorrectly. Labs using these molecules have to step up ventilation, monitor waste, and provide up-to-date safety training. Regulatory bodies began scrutinizing halogenated solvent emissions and waste more closely. Companies now push for greener alternatives or safe disposal through incineration by specialized facilities.
Moving Research Forward with Smart Choices
Every new drug, advanced material, or analytical technique rests on the availability of smart building blocks. Researchers and industry professionals benefit from using compounds like 1-Bromo-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzene—a small player on the global scale, but a workhorse in the lives of the scientists who rely on it. Focusing on safe usage, responsible waste handling, and continuous innovation helps keep both progress and people’s health on track.
Why Chemists Rely on CAS Numbers
Every field has its own way of cutting through the noise. In chemistry, the CAS number stands out as the sharpest tool for that job. The Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) registry number packs reliability and specificity into a single number. That comes in handy, especially when you’re dealing with compounds whose names get long and look nearly identical to their close cousins. CAS numbers don’t leave room for misinterpretation—they single out a compound one-hundred percent of the time.
I remember standing in an undergraduate research lab, flipping through worn-out catalogs while my advisor insisted, “Always double-check the CAS number.” Those numbers shunted aside confusion about whether we were looking at the right compound, no matter how tangled the systematic names sounded. That weight on accuracy gets felt far beyond college labs.
The Identity of 1-Bromo-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzene
In the maze of chemical nomenclature, 1-Bromo-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzene can trip up even the most careful researcher. Its CAS number, 2176-47-8, says more in less space. Pull up this number in any reputable database, and you’ll hit the bullseye: a benzene ring carrying a bromine atom and five tightly packed fluorine atoms. Commercial suppliers, customs officers, and regulatory bodies scan for that number before anything else.
The Stakes of Misidentification
I once managed a small project sourcing specialty organic chemicals for a start-up working on OLED materials. Our team depended on CAS numbers because trade names can shift from language to language, and alternative common names multiply like dandelions in spring. Getting the compound wrong delays weeks of work and saps money from already lean research budgets.
Incorrect chemical sourcing creates safety issues, too. Shortcuts never pay off—a slip can lead to handling something reactive or toxic with the wrong precautions. For 1-Bromo-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzene, which sees use as a building block in electronics and pharmaceuticals, a single ordering mistake can put safety on the line, or throw entire batches of product out of spec.
Solutions Rooted in Organization and Habit
Mistakes linger where systems are weak. Labs and companies need to thread CAS numbers through inventory, training, and communication. Barcode scanners and digital inventory tie-in make this easier, but old-school habits count too. Writing the CAS number on every label, every logbook entry, and each order form sets a bedrock standard. If someone forgets to ask for the CAS, a sharp lab manager steps in to remind. Over time, those habits seep into the DNA of the organization.
Transparency ripples outward, too. If you publish data or a method, including the CAS number leaves no doubt about which molecule you studied. Datasets, procurement forms, safety sheets—they all get clearer and sturdier with 2176-47-8 stamped alongside the name.
Looking Ahead
Automation and smarter database software will shape the way we handle molecular information down the road. But even as algorithms get better, that simple CAS number will anchor the work in certainty. As chemistry moves into new frontiers—clean energy, advanced materials, drug discovery—clarity carries as much importance as innovation. Start with the right details, and progress lines up more confidently.
The CAS number for 1-Bromo-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzene, 2176-47-8, stands as more than a label. It shows a commitment to getting things right, every time.
Respect the Chemistry
Handling chemicals like 1-Bromo-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzene gives you a new appreciation for basic lab discipline. This compound ranks as a specialty halogenated aromatic, making it useful in both pharmaceutical research and materials science. Yet its properties also call for real respect—this is not a substance to toss on a shelf or handle casually.
Storage Requires More Than a Label
You can’t just leave a bottle of this compound lying around in the open. The presence of bromine and multiple fluorines elevates the risks. I always look for a chemical-resistant, tightly sealed amber glass bottle, locked away in a corrosive-resistant cabinet. Direct sunlight breaks down chemicals over time, so a dark, cool place is best for slowing any unwanted reactions.
Every time I work around chemicals like this, I double-check for dry conditions. Moisture can cause unpredictable changes in halogenated aromatics, so any hint of humidity inside a storage space spells trouble. Silica gel packs never seem like overkill when you think about how easily water can sneak in.
Personal Protection Isn’t Optional
I see a lot of people skip steps with goggles and gloves, but that’s a recipe for a painful mistake. Nitrile gloves hold up against 1-Bromo-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzene, while neoprene sleeves offer an extra layer when splashes seem likely. Eye protection with safety goggles turns a lab mishap from an emergency into minor cleanup.
Ventilation sometimes gets overlooked. I open the chemical fume hood every time a container comes out since inhaling vapors or dust could irritate airways or worse. Even in research labs, air quality matters, and nobody wants to learn that lesson the hard way.
Labeling: Beyond the Basics
Read any accident report and you’ll see labeling problems cause more trouble than they ought to. The label should tell you more than just the name—add the date, any unique hazards, and emergency contacts. Nobody outside the lab should have to guess what’s inside or why it matters.
By making this information visible, you help every visitor or emergency responder stay informed. This fits right in with the principles behind safe laboratories and responsible workplaces—every label counts.
Handling Spills and Exposure
Spills happen, even for experienced chemists. Small spills call for an absorbent pad made for halogenated solvents and proper disposal—not the nearest trash can. Bigger spills or skin contact need swift action. Flush with water for at least 15 minutes and warn a supervisor right away. Never try heroic cleanup feats alone; backup and clear-headed teamwork minimize harm.
Disposal Never Means Down the Drain
Municipal water systems aren’t designed to break down persistent halogenated organics. A reputable chemical waste handler can process these substances with incineration or another controlled method. I’ve seen hasty drain disposal lead to fines and serious environmental headaches. Proper disposal protects public health and keeps labs in good standing.
Learning from Every Mistake
Long experience teaches that shortcuts with chemicals don’t save time in the long run. Staying organized, labeling carefully, and using personal protection add mere minutes to the day, but save headaches and injuries.
As technology advances and more small labs work with niche chemicals, habits like training refreshers and shared best practices keep everyone safer. Practicing rigorous safety every day sends the message: health and respect matter more than speed.
Looking at the Numbers: Purity Standards Matter
People using 1-Bromo-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzene know that purity can make or break an experiment. Most suppliers offer it at a purity of at least 98%, often bumping up to 99% or higher. Sometimes those last few decimal places change everything—a “trace” contaminant can shift results in a synthetic route or catalyst development. Speaking from experience, spending a little more for an extra percent, especially for work like fluorinated aromatic molecule synthesis, pays off in reproducibility.
Several reputable chemical providers, such as Sigma-Aldrich, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and TCI America, list their product in the 98–99% purity range. Special-order or custom synthesis occasionally pushes that value further, but standard lots rarely drop below 98%. Analytical data, including NMR and GC-MS traces, often comes with the shipment. Anomalies here can cost days and dollars, so documentation earns top billing for researchers and labs on the compliance front.
Why Purity Stands out for Lab and Scale-Up Users
Fluorinated bromobenzenes see plenty of action in medicinal chemistry, materials science, and as building blocks for polymers. Low purity runs the risk of introducing unknowns into downstream reactions. I’ve watched costly materials end up in waste bins thanks to that oversight, and it gets expensive in a hurry. Pharmaceutical teams source high-purity lots to minimize regulatory headaches down the line. Impurities aren’t just a technical nitpick—they raise safety flags and regulatory obstacles, especially for anything with routes headed near a clinical application.
On the research bench, lower-purity batches still see use when cost cutting takes priority or the application tolerates non-critical variability. For any scale beyond milligrams, 98% becomes a practical baseline. Anything less usually winds up with a red flag next to it for non-critical research, as separation or purification steps add to the project cost and time.
Packaging Sizes: A Real-World Rundown
Most research chemicals arrive in tightly sealed amber bottles, designed to keep out moisture and light. Packaging sizes start at the quarter-gram or one-gram mark for specialty uses. Five, ten, and twenty-five grams fill the next tier, suitable for lab-scale syntheses and pilot runs. Occasionally, requests for multi-hundred gram or kilo amounts trigger custom packaging—this mostly happens at scale-up facilities or when high-throughput screening turns up a promising hit.
From labs I’ve worked in, smaller vials—1 g, 5 g, or 10 g—line chemical shelves for routine benchtop reactions. For material science or organic electronics projects, bulk packaging such as 50-gram or 100-gram bottles become cost-effective. Anything over the kilo mark involves safety documentation, regulated shipping, MSDS double-checking, and sometimes refrigeration.
Risks, Solutions, and Smarter Practices
Lower-purity material sometimes creeps into supply chains due to lax storage or transit. Moisture ingress or cross-contamination breaks down product quality. My advice: always check for certificate of analysis (CoA), batch documentation, and stability data before placing a larger order. Suppliers who cannot provide this information don’t measure up to today’s transparency standards.
Proper labelling, high-quality seals, and off-the-shelf purity testing stop problems before they start. For academic and industrial buyers alike, strong relationships with trusted vendors build in peace of mind. Choosing the right packaging size, weighing price per gram against shelf life and storage risk, can save significant resources. The demand for reliable, documented purity and practical packaging isn’t just a regulatory checkbox—it’s the backbone of changing an idea into a result that stands up to scrutiny.
