1-Bromo-3-fluorobenzene serves as a common building block in organic synthesis, especially in pharmaceutical and advanced chemical industries. With a molecular formula of C6H4BrF, this aromatic compound connects the bromo and fluoro substituents to a benzene ring at positions 1 and 3. The structure offers both halogen atoms in a meta arrangement, giving the molecule properties valuable for a variety of synthetic applications. Chemists working with raw materials in the lab rely on clear, pure, and consistent 1-Bromo-3-fluorobenzene for controlled reactions, precise outcomes, and scalable production. The chemical’s HS Code, often referenced for customs and regulatory documentation, usually falls under 290369 for halogenated derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons, which smooths the logistics and legal classification for import and export.
Most users encounter 1-Bromo-3-fluorobenzene as a colorless to pale yellow liquid, although under certain storage conditions, it might appear as crystals around colder surfaces. The density stacks up at around 1.6 g/cm³ at room temperature. Its molecular weight reaches about 175 g/mol, placing it in the middle range for small organic molecules. Unlike heavier solids that ship as flakes or powders, this chemical leans toward a slick, free-flowing liquid form, making it straightforward to measure by the milliliter or liter even during scale-up. Its boiling point approaches 172°C, allowing careful distillation or manipulation without rapid evaporation. The melting point sits below room temperature, so refrigeration seldom creates a persistent solid, which means preparation in batch or continuous systems never gets tripped up by clogs or material jams. The refractive index, hovering at about 1.545, confirms its purity in routine QC checks.
This compound holds a valuable place as a raw material for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty materials. It pushes forward reactions like Suzuki or Heck couplings, where its dual halogen positions allow precise substitutions or further functionalization. Custom drug design sometimes grabs the bromo or fluoro position for controlled reactivity and biological profile tweaking. Polymers, coatings, dyes, and advanced electronics can also pull from 1-Bromo-3-fluorobenzene’s molecular backbone—its inherent stability and unique arrangement give formulation scientists flexibility for creating tailored materials. In my own experience working with synthesis teams, having access to highly pure 1-Bromo-3-fluorobenzene lowers batch variability and sharpens analytical predictability, which pays off in fewer process upset days and less wasted time hunting for unpredictable side-products.
Even seasoned chemists must respect the health and safety profile of 1-Bromo-3-fluorobenzene. Its halogenated nature means volatility and inhalation risk deserve attention—working on a scale bigger than a few grams means strong fume extraction and gloves become non-negotiable. Skin and eye contact could cause irritation, and repeated exposure requires tracking as with many aromatic derivatives. Environmental management also comes up: like most halogenated aromatics, it should never be flushed without proper treatment, since these molecules resist breakdown in standard wastewater setups. Flammability tends to be low, though high heat or open flames in lab work still demand vigilance. Labels, material safety data sheets, and hazard codes—often GHS indicators—help remind users to suit up and keep clean benches to prevent accidental contamination or exposure. Waste handling with professional solvent drums avoids unintentional spills that could create headaches for both health and compliance teams.
Producers and suppliers indicate the purity of 1-Bromo-3-fluorobenzene to at least 98% or better for demanding lab procedures, confirmed by gas chromatography or NMR. Physical property specs cover refractive index, color, water and acid content, and sometimes halogen content for industries needing absolute assurance in raw materials. Packaging shows up in sealed glass or HDPE bottles, sized from grams to multi-liter drums, to handle the needs of researchers, pilot-plant managers, and process engineers. Every shipment should carry a lot-specific analysis certificate, linking shipment to test data and regulatory compliance, especially where traceability holds legal force. Even a minor drop in quality might throw off catalytic selectivity or yield consistency down the line—tight specs and reliable sources matter a lot for this intermediate.
Raw materials like 1-Bromo-3-fluorobenzene highlight deep questions about sustainable chemistry and waste management. Halogenated benzene rings are not something the environment shrugs off quickly. Companies have to commit to engineered controls and closed-loop recycling where possible. This ties into global expectations: importers and producers across the EU, US, and Asia now face regulations on persistent pollutants, and proper disclosure of chemical identity (including molecular structure) speeds up audits and avoids surprises for both users and regulators. On a practical front, options like solvent recovery, proper container return, and process minimization cut both environmental cost and operational risk. Safer alternatives for given syntheses might pop up as technology advances, but for now, users must balance performance, recyclability, and safety for the long run rather than just in-the-moment needs.
