1-Bromo-4-fluorobenzene stands out as a chemical intermediate with a unique structure: a benzene ring bearing a bromine atom and a fluorine atom, each positioned opposite one another. This chemical, often used in organic synthesis and industry, appears either as colorless to pale yellow flakes, small pearls, a crystalline solid, or sometimes as a very light powder depending on processing and purity. The molecular formula reads C6H4BrF, and a closer look at its molecular weight shows 175.00 g/mol. Its HS Code is 29036990, placing it among halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons for customs and regulatory purposes. My experience navigating customs paperwork for raw materials reminded me how important the right code is—one simple mistake, and the shipment gets delayed or stuck, which disrupts production lines and research schedules.
The hallmark of 1-Bromo-4-fluorobenzene lies in its para-substitution pattern. That means the bromine and fluorine atoms attach at opposite ends of the benzene ring. This subtle distinction really matters in chemistry, as it shapes how the molecule reacts and interacts with other compounds. I've worked in labs where this raw material’s selectivity proved vital for building more complicated molecules, especially in pharmaceutical and fine chemical development. The density typically ranges from 1.6 to 1.7 g/cm³—a solid crystal at room temperature, stable under ambient conditions, but needing careful storage to prevent accidental spills or breakdown.
Depending on synthesis and refinement, this compound can show up as solid flakes, powder, or fine crystalline chunks. Sometimes, I’ve handled samples stored in sealed containers as dry pearls, which poured like tiny beads. You won’t see it in liquid form at room temperature since it melts above 40°C and boils near 205°C. Its solubility stays quite low in water, but it dissolves more readily in organic solvents such as ether, acetone, and chloroform—typical behavior for halogenated aromatics. Careless handling of even a small sample can mean volatilization or slow exposure to humidity, so the material needs to stay in airtight vessels, away from sources of ignition or open flame, in well-ventilated chemical safes.
Dealing with chemicals like 1-Bromo-4-fluorobenzene always brings a safety story or two to mind. This compound brings both bromine and fluorine atoms into the workplace, and that calls for proper training. It gives off an odor that can signal exposure, but relying on smell is never enough for health. Direct skin contact causes irritation, and breathing in dust or vapors can upset the respiratory tract. Working in chemical research, I’ve always relied on fume hoods, double gloves, and thorough safety protocols, especially after seeing what even momentary lapses can do. Prolonged exposure raises concerns for organ toxicity and environmental impact, particularly in water systems, so waste collection and disposal follow local hazardous chemical rules—never down the drain or in regular trash.
In manufacturing and research circles, 1-Bromo-4-fluorobenzene serves as a trusted building block for synthesizing pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and fine specialty chemicals. The para-substituted ring is especially valued in cross-coupling reactions—Suzuki and Heck couplings come to mind—where precise structural control leads to new molecules with tailor-made properties. A breakthrough in developing a new drug candidate at one lab where I worked depended largely on access to this chemical and the ability to run several selective reactions in sequence. The purity grade you get from suppliers can shift results considerably, which makes certificate of analysis review more than just a paperwork chore—if the specs don’t match needs, the synthesis can stall or produce unpredictable outcomes. Key parameters a chemist watches for include melting point, residual solvents, traces of other halides, and of course water content.
Managing 1-Bromo-4-fluorobenzene in daily lab work, shipping, or enterprise-scale use brings up a handful of persistent challenges: purity assurance, safe storage, worker protection, and waste disposal. Insisting on documentation from reputable suppliers reduces the risk of out-of-specification material. Separate, locked cabinets with chemical-resistant containment keep it away from incompatible compounds and routine traffic. Regular safety drills and tight labeling policies guard against accidental mix-ups, which makes life easier for anyone tasked with inventory or inspection. Handling the solid or crystalline form should only happen with gloves and goggles, using spatulas that get cleaned, not shared between chemicals. To limit environmental harm, collected waste never mixes with general solvents or acids, and retention containers carry hazard labels with clear dates and contents. The road to safer, smarter use depends not just on knowing what the chemical can do but owning the responsibility of what happens from ordering to storage, use, and final disposal.
