2,3,4-Trifluoroaniline: Physical Properties, Structure, and Industry Standards

What is 2,3,4-Trifluoroaniline?

2,3,4-Trifluoroaniline comes from the family of fluorinated aromatic amines, carrying the formula C6H4F3N. On the molecule, three fluorine atoms replace hydrogens at the 2, 3, and 4 positions of the benzene ring, and the amino group (-NH2) stays attached. This structure shapes how the product behaves—chemically and physically. You’ll find it in solid form under standard conditions, usually as pale yellow to off-white flakes, crystalline powder, or sometimes crystals, depending on storage and production methods. Packing, storage, and safety guidelines follow strict chemical protocols, as this raw material holds a place in several synthetic and specialty chemical processes. The HS Code for 2,3,4-Trifluoroaniline typically falls under 29214200, classed among other aromatic amines. Experience shows precise identification by code helps both import and export, reducing regulatory confusion.

Physical and Chemical Properties

2,3,4-Trifluoroaniline has a molar mass of about 147.1 g/mol and a density around 1.39 g/cm3 at 20°C, though material from different sources sometimes shows slight variations. Its melting point usually stays between 33-35°C, making handling at ambient temperature manageable, but it seldom reaches liquid phase without controlled heating. Its boiling point stands at about 175–178°C under standard pressure. Solubility in water is low; it favors organic solvents like ether, chloroform, and alcohols. The presence of fluorine alters reactivity—significantly lowering the electron density compared to non-fluorinated anilines. In my own work with fluorinated aromatics, I’ve found their resistance to oxidation and stability against light and air means containers show far less degradation over time, keeping both crystals and powders looking clean if stored well.

Products and Material Specifications

On the supply side, substance is most commonly dispatched as solid flakes or crystalline powders. Labs and factories may choose powder for faster dissolution, while flakes are easy to manage by hand or weigh. Each lot often comes with a certificate listing purity—values above 98% are typical. Secondary substances and impurities receive tight controls, especially since trace metals or moisture can break down the stability of downstream processes. Certified suppliers usually reference analytical results from HPLC, GC, or FTIR spectrometry. Bulk shipments in 25-kilogram fiber drums or polyethylene-lined bags reduce risk of contamination. For end users, knowing the exact specification ensures the material meets not just laboratory needs but fits right into larger batch production without surprises.

Handling, Safety, and Hazards

Experience handling fluorinated anilines shows care beats speed—skin contact or eye exposure leads to irritation, sometimes severe. Breathing dust must be avoided. Standard safety protocols call for full chemical goggles, gloves, and well-ventilated working areas, especially during weighing, transfer, or solution preparation. The chemical owns a hazard classification: it’s not extremely flammable but reacts with strong oxidizers, acids, and bases, releasing dangerous fumes. Risk of inhalation brings the need for fume hoods in R&D and routine manufacturing. GHS pictograms remind teams of toxicity and environmental hazards, demanding both spill-prevention planning and immediate cleanup for any accidental release. Disposal falls under hazardous waste categories; licensed disposal firms must collect and incinerate or treat all residues and packaging to reduce environmental impact. The implications for safety culture—especially for companies scaling up production—center on understanding risk, not just meeting basic compliance, to protect both people and the environment.

Uses, Importance, and Raw Material Sourcing

Chemical industries and academic research push demand for 2,3,4-Trifluoroaniline. Its trifluoromethyl pattern often helps introduce selectivity into drug candidates, farm chemicals, and specialty advanced materials, since the C-F bond’s strength resists biodegradation. Many agrochemical and pharmaceutical synthesis routes look for such fluorinated building blocks to unlock unique biological activity. Raw material sourcing brings both opportunity and challenge. China, India, and parts of Western Europe hold much of today’s production capacity, with supply chain stability relying on steady upstream feedstocks like aniline and fluorinating agents. Pricing, often influenced by global fluorspar mining and regional energy policy, impacts downstream costs and shapes purchasing. In my work, tracking small swings in global supply reinforces the need for good supplier relationships and real-time quality checks—a lesson learned after one batch’s residual moisture spoiled a week’s worth of product development.

Potential Solutions to Hazard and Material Challenges

Minimizing workplace hazards means more than safety sheets and labels. Every operation handling hazardous anilines can invest in closed transfer systems, automated weighing, and better air monitoring to catch trouble before incidents arise. Regular safety training and reviews remind teams of both risks and best practices, helping reduce incidents from knowledge gaps. For raw material supply, greater transparency from chemical producers—offering traceable lot data and full composition breakdown—can aid processors and labs in troubleshooting. For companies on the development edge, building redundancy into sourcing—partnering with multiple producers and keeping up with international documentation—cuts down on risk from single-point failures. For researchers and engineers using 2,3,4-Trifluoroaniline as a raw material, real-world experience with the solid, in all its forms, forces a combination of care, documentation, and ongoing communication between supply and laboratory.