2,3,4,5-Tetrafluorobenzoyl Chloride: Description and Key Information

What is 2,3,4,5-Tetrafluorobenzoyl Chloride?

2,3,4,5-Tetrafluorobenzoyl Chloride stands out as a specialized chemical compound, its structure marked by four fluorine atoms attached to a benzene ring and tipped off with an acyl chloride functional group. The molecular formula, C7HClF4O, leaves little room for ambiguity, and the molecular weight usually lands close to 212.53 g/mol. As with most acyl chlorides, its reactivity craves respect—mixing water with this compound sparks hydrolysis, a sign of its chemical temperament. The product’s appearance varies: some batches settle as crystalline powders, others come off as colorless to faintly yellow solid flakes, even pebble-like pearls in well-prepared forms. Each form drifts close to a sharp, penetrating odor, an immediate reminder to don gloves and goggles in the lab.

Physical Properties and Structure

The skeleton of 2,3,4,5-Tetrafluorobenzoyl Chloride tells an interesting story. The four adjacent fluorine atoms congest the benzene ring, pushing its physical properties away from standard benzoyl chloride. The compound remains solid at room temperature, often forming aggregates with a melting point that fits between 33°C and 37°C. It's dense, usually around 1.5 g/cm³, so a scoop weighs heavier than it looks. Solubility comes with caution. This isn’t a product for careless mixing—organics like dichloromethane and acetonitrile welcome it, water earns only violent rejection as it splits off hydrogen chloride gas. The unique structure, spiked with fluorine, makes the molecule much less prone to oxidation, but sharply increases its ability to linger in soils if spilled.

Specifications and Grades

Labs ordering this compound from a raw material supplier check for purity percentages, most reliable only above 98%. Trace moisture or acidic content triggers trouble, so preparation involves careful drying and closed system bottling. Producers label standard grades based on demands of pharmaceuticals or material science. Most shipments fall under liquid-tight packaging, often with vapor-proof linings. Solid-state batches appear as a fine, off-white powder or sometimes crystalline flakes. For anyone working with volumes, the HS Code 2916399090 clears it for international transit, giving customs agents the right data to check manifests. In every solid batch, free-flowing granules or tight-packed pearls signal the skill of the manufacturer’s control over crystallization.

Safety, Hazards, and Handling

Working with 2,3,4,5-Tetrafluorobenzoyl Chloride means understanding risk at every step. Direct exposure risks skin, eyes, and airways. Acidic vapors sting without much warning. Spills on the lab bench often require solid sodium bicarbonate and a fume hood. Inhalation of dust or vapors triggers a coughing reflex, alongside risks from hydrogen chloride release if water contacts the solid or solution. Good practice means sealed containers, pipetting under exhaust extraction, and diligent PPE use—gloves, shields, and snug-fitting safety glasses or goggles. The chemical’s reactivity also means it never gets stored near bases, alcohols, water, or anything vulnerable to corrosion. Many laboratories store it in dense-walled glass containers, labeled to prevent confusion. Waste disposal means careful neutralization, never down household drains.

Applications, Importance, and Challenges

Industries chase this compound for niche applications. It acts as a robust intermediate during synthesis of fluorinated pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its chlorinated acyl group attaches well to amines and alcohols, opening up routes toward specialty polymers, advanced dyes, and liquid crystals. The fluorine atoms resist chemical breakdown, so molecules built from this raw material stay stable in high-heat environments or under UV radiation. This unique stability grants importance to sectors requiring tough organic backbones, whether that means longer tablet shelf life or increased weather resistance in coatings. Sourcing pure 2,3,4,5-Tetrafluorobenzoyl Chloride involves specialized facilities with proper exhaust and corrosion-resistant equipment. Every disruption to the supply chain—be it new regulations or a shipping delay—can choke off production of downstream products, so companies invest in redundancy and local stockpiles.

Molecular Features and Solutions for Safer Handling

The design of 2,3,4,5-Tetrafluorobenzoyl Chloride offers advantages and hurdles. Fluorine atoms enforce strong bonds, making raw material parts less susceptible to breakdown from environmental stress. The same strength complicates remediation if the compound escapes containment. Equipment built from glass or high-grade fluoropolymers resists attack from both the raw material and its hydrolysis acids. On a larger scale, facility managers have found success with double-walled storage and automated transfer pumps, cutting back risk from accidental splashing or vapor leaks. Training staff to expect sudden reactivity instead of routine behavior has prevented incidents. Regular drills and clear signage around store rooms turn safety procedures into habits rather than exceptions. No one working with compounds like this skips eye protection, not even for a quick pour.

Conclusion

Understanding the material properties, risks, and uses of 2,3,4,5-Tetrafluorobenzoyl Chloride becomes more than just a checklist in chemical manufacturing. It shapes the day-to-day reality in research and industrial settings, calling for thoughtful storage decisions, ongoing hazard awareness, and investment in safety equipment. Teams that treat each container as a potential hazard—even when it looks like harmless fine powder—end up building a culture where innovation does not come at the cost of safety. The strength of this compound’s molecular design will keep it relevant in high-tech development, but only with respect for every property that makes it both powerful and hazardous.