1-Bromo-2,4-difluorobenzene stands out for its role as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and advanced materials. The molecular formula C6H3BrF2 gives it a distinct combination of halogens on a benzene core, which translates to its unique chemical behavior and reactivity profile. Looking at its structure, you have a benzene ring substituted with a bromine atom at the first position, and fluorines at the second and fourth positions. This arrangement shapes its chemical identity, directing how it interacts in both research and industrial settings.
The material appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature. If you check the flask on the bench, it gives off a recognizable aromatic odor, so working in a well-ventilated area or fume hood feels necessary. Density comes in around 1.7 grams per cubic centimeter. Its melting point usually sits far below ambient temperature, so you won’t see flakes, solids, crystals, or pearls under normal storage conditions; this chemical remains a liquid. Boiling point clocks in at about 180-184°C, which reflects practical utility for distillation and recovery in the lab. Solubility in water stays fairly low, but it dissolves well in common organic solvents like ether and chloroform, making it a go-to for many synthetic steps.
The combination of bromine and two fluorine atoms attached to a benzene ring produces a molecule with both electron-donating and electron-withdrawing effects. That makes this not just a building block, but a tool for active chemists shaping molecules for greater biological activity or selectivity. With a molecular weight of about 192.99 g/mol, it fits well among halogenated aromatic compounds, providing a balance of reactivity and stability. This chemical structure lets it participate in cross-coupling reactions such as Suzuki and Sonogashira, where efficiency often matters as much as selectivity. The non-polar nature and moderate lipophilicity allow it to slip nicely into both organic and mixed-phase reactions.
Shipments of 1-Bromo-2,4-difluorobenzene usually fall under the Harmonized System Code 2903.69, which covers halogenated derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons. Documentation for customs and transport needs to reference this, especially when moving raw materials across international borders. Vendors and buyers often deal with extensive paperwork due to regional rules on hazardous materials.
Anyone working with 1-Bromo-2,4-difluorobenzene should pay attention to the material safety data sheet. This chemical can be harmful if inhaled, ingested, or if it comes in contact with skin. Vapors may irritate eyes, nose, or throat. Over years in labs, it becomes clear that gloves, protective eyewear, and careful handling are non-negotiable, particularly since halogenated aromatics can sometimes slip past ordinary awareness until exposure symptoms show up. Safe storage involves cool, ventilated spaces, far from strong oxidizers and acids. Proper containment and labeling prevent accidental exposure or mixing. Disposal needs methods suited to halogenated organics, avoiding regular waste streams.
Research chemists prize 1-Bromo-2,4-difluorobenzene as a starting material for more complex organic molecules. The combination of bromine, which activates the ring for substitution, and fluorines, which tune chemical and physical properties, lands this compound on the bench for both academic and industrial innovation. Pharmaceutical companies use it for making drug candidates with improved metabolic stability, while companies in crop science deploy it in the chase for new agrochemicals with better efficacy and reduced environmental impact. Raw material availability, consistency, and purity grades drive the cost and success rate for those downstream products, so reliable suppliers who understand the delicate balance between price, safety, and documentation offer real value.
Anyone who has managed a chemical stockroom or ordered materials for a multi-year project knows the complexity of safe storage and logistical compliance. Tracking hazardous substances such as 1-Bromo-2,4-difluorobenzene requires digital inventory and regular audits. As regulations grow stricter in many countries, especially across the EU, North America, and Asia, proactive communication between buyers and suppliers goes a long way toward keeping projects on track and away from regulatory headaches. Safe handling training must become part of workplace culture, not a box checked only on the first day. Teams who regularly communicate about best practices and near-miss incidents build a safer environment for everyone.
Consistency and purity mark the difference between routine and rerun. 1-Bromo-2,4-difluorobenzene for synthesis often comes in bottles ranging from 25 milliliters up to liters, each labeled for grade (analytical, technical, or reagent). Purity standards hover at or above 98%, and chromatographic methods verify every lot. Every batch needs documentation on appearance, expected melting and boiling points, density, and impurity profile, supporting traceability and project audits. In real-world labs, using accurate dispensers or pipettes for this liquid prevents overuse and spill risk while saving precious material.
Emerging applications open new demand for building blocks like 1-Bromo-2,4-difluorobenzene, but each order brings questions about waste, workplace exposure, and environmental impact. In my own work, switching to smaller bottle sizes with tamper-proof seals and built-in dispensers cuts down both losses and accidental exposure, especially in fast-paced environments. Research into safer alternatives or improved engineering controls, like local exhaust or robotic handling, keeps chemists one step ahead on safety and sustainability. Everyone involved, from supplier to end user, has a stake in keeping material flow tight, safe, and sustainable for the long term.
