2-Chloro-5-(chloromethyl)thiazole: A Comprehensive Look
Historical Development
The roots of 2-Chloro-5-(chloromethyl)thiazole trace back to the post-war period, when the chemistry of heterocycles found new life in the hands of academic and industrial researchers. Synthetic routes for thiazoles gained traction as the demand for new agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals exploded. Scientists in Europe first prepared thiazole derivatives in the early 20th century, but interest in chlorinated forms gained momentum in the 1970s as industries identified their versatility. In the lab, thiazole frameworks offered a sturdy backbone, able to withstand functionalization, making compounds like 2-Chloro-5-(chloromethyl)thiazole valuable for crafting new molecules with biological activity. Some of my early work in chemical research involved these techniques—watching chemo-diversification unfold step by step highlighted just how important these tools have become, especially for medicinal chemists and pesticide developers.
Product Overview
This compound appears as a clear to pale yellow liquid under room conditions and carries a sharp, pungent odor that demands respect. Chemists often reach for 2-Chloro-5-(chloromethyl)thiazole as an intermediate. It slots into synthesis routes where the five-membered thiazole ring forms the core of larger molecules. Industrial users value its unique balance—stable enough to store in properly sealed drums, but reactive enough to streamline functionalization. Its chloromethyl group lends itself to further transformations. In the real world, such practical intermediates can make or break a synthetic campaign, especially in time-sensitive product development, which I've witnessed time and again in scale-up runs or pilot plant projects.
Physical & Chemical Properties
2-Chloro-5-(chloromethyl)thiazole boasts a molecular formula of C4H3Cl2NS, with a molecular weight hovering around 168.04 g/mol. It typically presents as a slightly viscous oil, not prone to crystallization. Its boiling point falls in the 220 to 230°C range under atmospheric pressure and often requires careful distillation to capture high yields. Solubility proves selective—readily dissolving in polar organic solvents like dichloromethane, acetonitrile, and THF, but remaining quite stubborn in water. The reactivity profile gets shaped by the interplay of the electron-donating nitrogen and sulfur, and the electron-withdrawing chlorines, which open up unique substitution possibilities. As a chemist working directly with chlorinated thiazoles, I've learned to respect their storied tendency to alkylate nucleophiles aggressively, calling for solid protective equipment and reliable engineering controls in the lab.
Technical Specifications & Labeling
Commercial lots of 2-Chloro-5-(chloromethyl)thiazole usually exceed 98% purity, as confirmed by gas chromatography. Water content must stay below 0.5% to preserve stability. Vendors include full labeling with hazard pictograms for flammability and acute toxicity, safety data aligned with GHS guidelines, and guidance for responders in event of accidental spillage or exposure. Product handling specifications emphasize storage at temperatures between 2–8°C, out of direct sunlight and away from incompatible materials such as strong bases or oxidizers. I recall one multi-kilo delivery that arrived with critical documentation and reinforced containment systems—such attention to regulatory detail helped our team move ahead with confidence.
Preparation Method
Synthesis often starts from 2-chlorothiazole, which undergoes selective chloromethylation at the five position. Reactions leverage paraformaldehyde in the presence of hydrochloric acid and zinc chloride, typical of industrial procedures. Working with controlled temperatures and vigorous agitation, the reactive intermediate forms, then gets separated and distilled. Each stage requires a watchful eye for exothermic surges and possible side reactions leading to over-chlorination or ring opening. In hands-on projects, precision in reagent addition and temperature ramping has often made the difference between clean product and frustrating by-products, with batch-to-batch consistency only coming after careful procedural tweaks.
Chemical Reactions & Modifications
The chloromethyl position on this molecule serves as a launchpad for alkylation. Nucleophiles such as amines, thiols, or phenoxides displace the chlorine efficiently, letting organic chemists attach customized groups under relatively mild conditions. The other chlorinated spot on the ring invites substitution by stronger nucleophiles, creating more diverse thiazole derivatives. The thiazole framework itself stays robust across a range of transformations: oxidation to sulfones, reductions to thiazolidines, and cross-coupling with organometallics. Work with this molecule shows a flexibility that benefits both exploring new chemical space and delivering robust routes to key actives or intermediates, as I found in an agrochemical synthesis sprint—speed, selectivity, and scalability remain huge advantages here.
Synonyms & Product Names
Common synonyms include 2-chloro-5-(chloromethyl)-1,3-thiazole and 5-(chloromethyl)-2-chlorothiazole. Some suppliers offer the compound under trade labels, but the IUPAC name and CAS number 13636-59-4 ensure clarity in scientific communication. Familiarity with these alternative names matters during literature searches or sourcing—I've run into confusion on more than one procurement run, where regional naming practices slowed things down until CAS registration numbers sorted matters out.
Safety & Operational Standards
Safety guidelines urge full chemical-resistant gloves, lab coats, and eye protection. The substance's volatility and reactivity mean standard fume hoods become non-negotiable. Exposure, even in trace amounts, can trigger skin and airway irritation; ingestion presents far graver risks, including possible systemic toxicity. Emergency showers, eyewash stations, and robust exhaust ventilation all play a part in incident prevention. Dedicated waste streams, usually chlorinated solvent disposal, close the loop. Organizations in the chemical sector maintain rigorous documentation, and annual refresher training helps staff avoid complacency—I’ve come to rely on these protocols not as paperwork exercises, but as the backbone of safe, sustainable lab culture.
Application Area
Large-scale synthesis frequently positions 2-Chloro-5-(chloromethyl)thiazole as a key intermediate in crop protection chemistry, where it sits at the crossroads of fungicide and insecticide development. Its structure allows further transformation into molecules that block pest resistance or optimize environmental breakdown. In pharmaceutical pipelines, thiazoles like this have inspired kinase inhibitors, antifungals, and anti-inflammatory candidates. The compound’s ability to transfer functional groups expedites lead optimization in drug discovery. On my side, involvement in an antiviral screen highlighted how essential robust intermediates become when timelines shrink but accuracy can’t slip.
Research & Development
Medicinal chemistry groups remain deeply invested in the reactivity of thiazole cores, using 2-Chloro-5-(chloromethyl)thiazole to add substituents that boost activity or solubility in challenging targets. In agrochemical labs, researchers push modifications that increase selectivity or reduce off-target toxicity, keeping regulatory demands front and center. Newer approaches leverage computational modeling to predict reactivity hotspots ahead of synthesis, saving both time and cost. The competitive edge in bringing new actives to field trials often comes down to the reliability and flexibility of starter intermediates like this one. Collaboration between research, safety, and supply chain planners helps make sure innovation doesn’t outpace responsible stewardship—a hard-earned lesson from projects where oversight lapses threatened both success and safety.
Toxicity Research
Growing scrutiny from regulators drives deeper exploration of acute and chronic effects. Standard rodent studies reveal dose-related toxicity if inhaled or ingested, including hepatic and neurological symptoms at high doses. Controlled in vitro screens flag potential mutagenicity, leading several groups to probe mechanisms of action and metabolic breakdown. As with most organochlorine intermediates, environmental fate testing matters. Evaluating breakdown in water and soil helps uncover any risk of harmful persistence. My experience fielding regulatory queries for molecule clearance drove home how proactive research—shaped by both public health and product stewardship—avoids costly reruns and earns community trust.
Future Prospects
Innovation keeps pushing boundaries—chemists want greener synthesis, less hazardous reagents, and higher selectivity. There's increasing interest in biocatalytic modification to cut emissions and streamline product profiles. As digital tools and automation reshape laboratories, profiling data on 2-Chloro-5-(chloromethyl)thiazole gets sharper, allowing researchers to map safety, reactivity, and environmental impact up front. The ability to pivot quickly in response to changing regulatory frameworks or emerging biological threats depends on foundational tools like this compound. In my view, transparent collaboration between academic, industrial, and regulatory stakeholders remains essential—only through open exchange and continual review can innovation match up with trust and safety in a world that keeps demanding better answers from chemical science.
Chemistry Up Close
At first glance, 2-Chloro-5-(chloromethyl)thiazole might trip up even those who read chemical names daily. The backbone is a thiazole ring, a five-membered structure made up of three carbon atoms, one nitrogen atom, and one sulfur atom. Thiazole rings show up often in natural products and pharmaceuticals. That’s not random. They bring both stability and interesting reactivity, which makes chemists pay attention.
Moving to the specifics, this molecule wears two chlorine atoms—one directly attached to the number two carbon and another hooked up to a methyl group, which lives on the fifth position. The official chemical structure looks like this: Start with a thiazole ring, number the carbons clockwise with sulfur at position one, place a chlorine atom on carbon number two, and then link a chloromethyl group (that’s -CH2Cl) to carbon number five.
Straightforward on paper, but sketching molecules like these in the lab or on a model set always brings the details to life. And these details stack up. Where the atoms sit and how they connect changes how the whole compound behaves.
Why Structure Matters
Small structural changes matter in organic chemistry. A methyl group here, a chlorine there, and suddenly you’ve got a compound that acts completely differently. This thiazole derivative is a good example. Put two chlorine atoms on the ring and you get a molecule that shows resistance to metabolic breakdown, and one that interacts differently with enzymes than its cousins do.
That has practical effects in agriculture and drug discovery. Thiazole compounds have contributed to the world’s antibiotics and to some pesticides. Add those chlorine atoms and you launch whole new lines of research into how to increase plant protection or target stubborn microbes. Because environmental impact ranks high right now, choices around such modifications take on extra weight. The structure doesn’t just tell you what a molecule is. It tells you what it might do out in the world.
Safety and Environmental Questions
Chlorinated compounds raise red flags for many scientists. That’s not paranoia—that’s experience talking. Chlorine atoms can help a chemical stick around longer in the environment. Sometimes that’s what you want. Prolonged action in a field or a lab can cut down on how often you apply a product. But persistence means accumulation, and that’s where safety concerns step in. These molecules need to be tracked and regulated.
Choosing, producing, and using a compound like 2-Chloro-5-(chloromethyl)thiazole brings a responsibility to minimize harm without stopping research in its tracks. Good chemistry means keeping an eye on waste streams and breakdown products. Hazard assessments start with structural knowledge—a close look at every atom and bond tells you what to expect down the line.
Building Solutions Through Informed Chemistry
Structure is the map. Anyone hoping to manage risk and discover new uses has to read it closely. Researchers ought to invest in greener chemistry, not just because it helps meet regulatory demands, but because careful design avoids problems later on. Biodegradable thiazole derivatives, smarter synthesis protocols, and transparent reporting—these offer a way to keep innovation moving without sacrificing safety.
Every molecule brings its own story and challenges. Understanding the exact structure gives everyone—from novice to expert—a foundation to make better decisions in both the lab and the marketplace. Chemistry always comes back to structure, and knowing it well lays the groundwork for progress.
Role in Agriculture
Walking into any agricultural chemical lab, it becomes clear pretty quickly just how much time and energy goes into finding the right building blocks for crop protection. 2-Chloro-5-(chloromethyl)thiazole stands out here. This compound forms a backbone in synthesizing several reliable pesticides and fungicides. Farmers rely on compounds built from this thiazole to keep wheat, rice, and orchard crops healthy. Without sound intermediates like this, new molecules take longer and cost more to develop.
Some thiazole derivatives see action against fungal blights and insect infestations—issues that not only threaten food supplies but stretch the budgets of small producers. Bringing lab experience to the field, these chemistry-driven solutions often balance higher yields with reducing unnecessary chemical runoff.
Making Pharmaceuticals Possible
Medicinal chemistry calls for molecules that can fit in just the right way to disrupt pathogens or tweak a metabolic pathway. 2-Chloro-5-(chloromethyl)thiazole pops up as an intermediate here too, especially for drugs that fight chronic infections or inflammation. Researchers use this chemical layout as a scaffold, building off the thiazole ring to produce diverse bioactive molecules.
The world’s biggest pharmaceutical breakthroughs often start on a small scale—a handful of promising intermediates, each tested for bioactivity and safety. Time after time, slight tweaks to this kind of scaffold have uncovered better treatments for people and animals. Safety and scrutinized supply chains matter just as much as cutting-edge discovery here, and compliance with strict chemical handling protocols stays at the core of this field.
Driving Innovation in Fine Chemicals
The chemical industry leans heavily on versatility, and compounds like 2-Chloro-5-(chloromethyl)thiazole fit right into custom synthesis for specialty chemicals. These intermediates pave the way for dyes, advanced polymers, and materials used in microelectronics. Thiazoles get chosen not just for their stability, but for their reactivity under the right conditions.
From what I’ve seen in small chemical plants, many R&D projects circle back to these select intermediates. Instead of looking for a new starting point for each new product, chemists head back to what already works—then they branch out from there. This cuts down the time waiting for quality results, and it lets industrial clients adapt formulas faster in response to market shifts.
Handling and Safety Concerns
No matter how useful a compound is, daily work with intermediates calls for rigorous attention to safe handling. 2-Chloro-5-(chloromethyl)thiazole won’t win awards for being easy on the nose or skin, and all staff need up-to-date training and solid personal protective gear. Accidents rarely come from one big slip; in my experience, they build up from ignoring little spills, poor ventilation, or skipped glove changes.
Sustainable practice should not get lost in the search for performance. Wastewater treatment, smart storage, and respect for downstream effects go hand in hand with industrial gains. Regulatory agencies in Europe, Asia, and the Americas all push for tighter controls—the same standards that keep workers safe also protect local communities and ecosystems from harm.
Pushing for Better Practices
In labs across the world, the story of 2-Chloro-5-(chloromethyl)thiazole mirrors much of modern chemistry: useful, flexible, but always demanding care and oversight. Universities and companies work together now, looking for green chemistry methods that cut down waste and streamline processes. Newer routes use less toxic reagents or improve yields to lighten the load on the environment.
Building up experience in this space means not just making chemistry work, but ensuring it works safely for everyone involved. Responsible sourcing, regular transparency, and keeping long-term health in focus push this field in a direction where innovation never comes at too high a price.
Digging into the CAS Number for 2-Chloro-5-(chloromethyl)thiazole
Every chemical floating around labs or production lines has a unique tag—the CAS number. The number for 2-Chloro-5-(chloromethyl)thiazole is 286429-98-3. This nine-digit detail might not wow everyone, but in the world of chemicals, it works like a social security number. Sorting out chemistry without these numbers gets messy fast. The jumble of chemical names from textbooks, translations, or labels always gets tangled. One scientist might say "2-Chloro-5-(chloromethyl)thiazole", someone overseas could be reading off a label in their own language, and a supply chain team might only recognize the code. That’s why the CAS number steadies the ship.
I remember the frustration from my own days in the lab hunting for a chemical. I searched inventories, sometimes by the name, sometimes combing through structural drawings. More than once, the same stuff showed up under three or four different spellings. No one wants to order the wrong product, especially if it’s for a project that needs consistent results. The CAS registry erases the guessing game. Type in that number—286429-98-3—and you get exactly one hit, no matter where you are in the world.
Safety, Regulations, and Traceability
Safety matters as much as precision. 2-Chloro-5-(chloromethyl)thiazole isn’t a chemical you’d want to handle carelessly. The thiazole ring brings an element of reactivity, and those chloro groups mean risk for skin, eyes, and air quality. Regulatory bodies track chemicals not just for recordkeeping, but for the health of workers and the public. In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Food and Drug Administration, and OSHA expect companies to report and label substances the right way. CAS numbers make enforcement possible. They allow inspectors to check inventories, spot any restricted substances, and track which companies are importing or exporting particular compounds. The number links directly to full hazard profiles, toxicology reports, and emergency response guides.
Globally, the same rules apply. European regulators, Chinese authorities, and Japanese scientists all depend on CAS numbers in paperwork and digital logs—just in their own languages and local formats. If something goes wrong—a fire, a spill, or a shipment crossing a border—the barcode and CAS number stay readable even if the label’s foreign or the language isn’t clear.
Solutions for the Chemical World
CAS numbers stand out as a solution for a complicated market. Digital inventory systems use them to manage stocks and automate purchase orders. Online catalogs let chemists compare purity, price, and logistical details without picking through product names. Counterfeit chemicals become much easier to spot. The database backs up inspection reports with hard facts, so regulators can do their jobs safely and efficiently.
Better labeling cuts down on accidents and prevents waste. Teams in research, medicine, or manufacturing get a shortcut to the exact substance required. Instead of risking the project with the wrong grade or an off-brand alternative, the CAS number smooths communication between everyone in the supply chain.
Clear identification leads to better safety measures, streamlined audits, and smarter sourcing decisions for companies and labs. Without these numbers, everyone spends more time fact-checking ingredients and less time on real discovery or production. That’s why that little number—286429-98-3—is anything but trivial in industrial, research, and regulatory circles.
Paying Attention to Chemical Storage
Working in chemistry labs over the years, I’ve noticed careless storage leads to headaches and sometimes even danger. Chemicals like 2-Chloro-5-(chloromethyl)thiazole illustrate that lesson. Used in making pharmaceuticals and in pesticide research, its hazards stem from both its toxicity and its volatility. If you treat it too casually, problems arise, from ruined experiments to health risks and worse.
Hazards Drive the Storage Rules
This compound brings its own quirks. It irritates skin, eyes, and respiratory system. People report coughing, nausea, or rashes with even a bit of exposure. Storing the chemical out in the open, or in a leaky bottle, raises the risk. Vapors escape, and that chemical smell signals exposure long before symptoms appear. Because it reacts with water and strong oxidizers, moisture can set off unwanted side reactions, wasting your supply or starting a fire.
Choose Quality Containers and Locations
Good habits start with sturdy glass bottles, capped tight. Avoid plastics that might soften or dissolve—this chemical eats certain plastics with time. Dark glass resists light damage, so the contents stay stable for longer. Every responsible lab I’ve worked in keeps thiazoles behind solid cabinet doors, in ventilated chemical storage areas. These cabinets stay cool, shady, and dry. Heavy rain or high humidity can sneak into porous storage if you aren’t careful, so most labs add desiccant packs beside the bottles. Fire-resistant cabinets near eyewash stations always make sense, since even a brief spill needs fast cleanup.
Clear Labels and Segregation
People don’t always respect labels or warning signs when in a rush. Wrong bottle, wrong shelf, and your whole inventory could end up cross-contaminated. If you take chemistry seriously, you double-check every label and date every bottle. It’s tempting to keep all reagents close together for convenience, but thiazole compounds belong away from acids and bases. Segregate chemical families so you don’t risk dangerous reactions. That’s not some bureaucratic rule—it’s the sort of advice that prevents actual disasters.
Controls That Keep Everyone Safer
I see many seasoned researchers run a checklist before locking up for the day: bottle tightly closed, cap squeaky clean, label visible, weight or volume logged. Ventilation fans hum quietly, pulling away stray vapors. Surveys show these “boring” steps cut lab accidents by as much as half. Gloves, goggles, and chemical aprons hang on every hook. Safety showers and spill kits sit nearby, and veteran staff make sure students know how to use them.
Training and Emergency Planning
Knowing the compound’s risks helps, but only if everyone pays attention. Every lab I’ve trusted holds regular safety drills and always keeps material safety data sheets visible and updated. Staff read up, ask questions, and don’t skip the fine print on hazard classification. If a storage bottle breaks, or someone spills a bit, labs deal with it as planned: isolate the area, ventilate, clean with neutralizing agents, dispose as hazardous waste, and file a report. These routines look strict, but they’re built on lessons learned the hard way.
Safer Storage, Successful Science
There’s no shortcut to handling dangerous chemicals safely. Good storage means safe staff and clean results. By treating 2-Chloro-5-(chloromethyl)thiazole’s warnings seriously and practicing responsible storage, labs avoid setbacks, health issues, and regulatory problems. It comes down to respect for the compound—and for the people sharing the workspace.
Recognizing the Risks
2-Chloro-5-(chloromethyl)thiazole looks harmless at first glance. Inside the lab, bottles of this stuff can blend in with the rest, but don’t fall into a trap of complacency. It carries both corrosive and toxic hazards. I’ve learned from personal experience, even a small spill can trigger a major headache and potential health problems. Skin irritation, eye damage, breathing issues—these are not just theoretical risks, they’re real. The chemical can do serious harm in a few seconds if handled carelessly.
The material safety data sheet (MSDS) is never useless paperwork. Dive into the hazard and precautionary statements: they mention severe skin irritation, possible allergic reactions, and environmental toxicity. Years ago, I brushed off a minor splash and dealt with red, burning skin for days. Stories like mine aren’t rare. Pay attention when handling this chemical, whether it’s a large batch or a tiny sample in a research project.
Setting Up the Right Work Zone
You want a space that makes accidents less likely. Fume hoods aren’t optional—2-Chloro-5-(chloromethyl)thiazole produces vapors that can hang in the air and damage your lungs. Don’t trust a regular bench to protect you. Keep spills and vapors contained with splash guards and secondary containment trays. Lined trays catch drips before they find their way onto your skin, your clothes, or the floor. Think about how you'll move, transfer, and handle every container. Skip the shortcuts and guesswork: pipettes and syringes work far better than pouring, and they limit spill risk. I’ve seen expensive samples lost because someone rushed with an open beaker.
Personal Protective Equipment: Not Optional
Lab coats, gloves, goggles—these basics offer real protection. But don’t stop there. Use chemical-resistant gloves—not just standard latex. Nitrile or neoprene gloves last longer and offer a better barrier. I’ve swapped gloves more than once in the middle of a procedure after spotting a splash, and it’s saved my skin. Face shields offer another level of protection when pouring or mixing the compound. Closed-toe shoes and long pants keep splashes from hitting bare skin. Even in high-pressure situations, missing PPE is a recipe for disaster.
Hygiene Means Safety
Washing your hands sounds basic, but it’s easy to forget during a long experiment. Trace residues can stick to doorknobs, keyboards, pens—you name it. I once found out the hard way: finger marks glowing under UV from missed decontamination. Use soap and water, and keep wash stations close. Keep your workspace free of food and drinks to avoid accidental ingestion.
Prepared for Spills and Disposal
Spill kits must stand ready and well stocked. Absorbent pads, neutralizers, waste containers—these belong on every lab bench. You can’t count on cleaning up with paper towels. A quick, practiced response prevents small spills from turning into emergencies. Plan out your disposal steps before starting work. Designated waste on hand, labeled clearly, cuts down on confusion by the end of the day. Waste must head straight to hazardous disposal—not down the drain.
Moving Toward Safer Chemistry
Some labs substitute hazardous chemicals for safer ones, but this isn’t always possible. Smart labs teach their people, support a “no shortcuts” mindset, and keep procedures up to date. Seek regular training and review safety data as a team. In my lab, monthly walkthroughs and checklists keep everyone alert. This approach grows a culture where safety isn’t a box to tick—it’s built into every step. Protecting yourself protects your colleagues, your research, and the environment.
