2,4-Difluoro-dl-phenylglycine belongs to the family of substituted phenylglycines where two fluorine atoms occupy the 2 and 4 positions on the aromatic ring. This modification brings a noticeable shift in both electronic and physical properties compared to its non-fluorinated counterparts. Most work with fine chemicals shows how a small change in structure opens new doors in molecular design and final product performance. In daily lab routines, that difference becomes noticeable when handling the raw material or planning its use in chemical synthesis. In industries making pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, or specialized polymers, every detail matters, from the color and texture of samples to how reliably a synthesis runs. If purity, stability, and supply give headaches, finished products rarely live up to expectations.
Appearance matters as much as numbers in data sheets. 2,4-Difluoro-dl-phenylglycine often appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder, reflecting its purity and what reactions went into its making. Under direct lighting, single crystals might show a faint sheen, typical for finely purified amino acid derivatives. Chemists often find the substance forms dense, free-flowing flakes or small pearls, though sometimes it comes as a loose powder—packing density and crystallinity impact storage and weighing during synthesis. On the property side, density ranges from about 1.4 to 1.6 g/cm³ at room temperature, putting it in line with related aromatic amino acids but with slight differences due to fluorination.
Melting points tend to cluster around 185–190°C, with purity and crystalline form influencing the final value. The presence of two electronegative fluorine atoms not only raises the melting point by strengthening intermolecular forces but also affects solubility in both organic solvents and water—practical for those looking to dissolve or recrystallize during lab prep. Water solubility sits in the moderate range; in methanol or dimethyl sulfoxide, the solubility goes up a notch, which is handy for analytical work and reaction setups.
Structure shapes everything from physical handling to downstream chemical reactivity. Chemists see 2,4-Difluoro-dl-phenylglycine as an aromatic ring substituted with fluorine atoms at the ortho and para positions, joined to an alpha-aminoacetic acid core. The molecular formula is C8H7F2NO2, and the molar mass clocks in at roughly 187.15 g/mol. In practice, this means the compound ticks the box for many chiral and achiral coupling strategies, opening routes for peptide synthesis or small-molecule scaffold design. If purity and authenticity matter most, the d,l- prefix confirms a racemic mixture—a blend of both optical isomers, not their separate, costly forms.
Spec sheets for 2,4-Difluoro-dl-phenylglycine usually cover purity percentages—95% and above by HPLC is common, with moisture content below 1%. Ash content, heavy metals, and related impurities appear in the fine print, shaped by supplier diligence and application needs. Chemists pay close attention to not just stated density, particle size, moisture, or melting point—batch-to-batch consistency matters most for scaled-up projects. In global trade, this chemical falls under HS Code 29224999, representing "Other Amino acids and their esters, not elsewhere specified" for customs paperwork. Having the right code means fewer delays at borders, smoother import and export, and clarity on legal compliance for dangerous goods, as certain derivatives might trigger extra checks due to their hazardous or harmful nature, especially for bulk transport.
Every real-world chemical comes with its baggage, and with 2,4-Difluoro-dl-phenylglycine that means clear-eyed attention to health and handling. The dual fluorine atoms do not just change reactivity; they often ramp up the need for good ventilation and proper storage. Exposure routes usually focus on the dust phase—fine powders get airborne fast—so anyone working with this raw material should wear standard PPE: gloves, lab coats, and a particulate mask during scale-up or blending processes. For those familiar with hazardous materials, it is no surprise to see warning symbols for irritation to eyes and respiratory tract. No evidence points to acute chronic toxicity in small, laboratory quantities, but volumes quickly add up in manufacturing environments.
The safety data sheet for this chemical generally assigns risk and precautionary statements related to harmful if inhaled or swallowed, eye and skin irritation, and recommendations for careful spill control. In terms of disposal, chemists opt for high-temperature incineration or specialized chemical waste streams, as fluorinated organics tend to resist easy breakdown. Fire risk remains typical of most organic solids—staying away from ignition sources and preventing dust accumulation helps avoid unplanned incidents. All handling should take place in environments that meet current workplace safety regulations, especially when quantities move from grams to tens of kilograms.
Raw materials like 2,4-Difluoro-dl-phenylglycine slip into production pipelines for pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals. Its role often extends to serving as a chiral building block, enabling the synthesis of advanced peptides or drugs where the fluorinated phenyl ring grants biological stability or optimized activity. Companies weighing cost against versatility think about how the amino acid core and modified aromatic group provide functional handles for further chemical transformations, including amidation, peptide coupling, and selective halogenation reactions. Some recognize the compound as a valuable placeholder; it allows late-stage fluorination in otherwise complex molecules, saving time and money over less adaptable starting materials.
Practical experience with this class of compounds shows that access to consistent supply—no unexpected physical variations in the flakes or powder—makes the compound easier to work with, especially as a direct solution or for in-situ use. Solubilization for stock solutions in water, ethanol, or DMSO becomes routine, but lingering moisture or caking causes bottlenecks, underlining the importance of airtight containers and stable storage conditions. When product consistency becomes mission-critical, tight quality control and regular testing back up customer expectations.
Long-term users notice weak points around supply chain consistency, physical clumping, and batch purity. Partnering only with top-tier suppliers, who provide complete analysis certificates, resolves most of the avoidable surprises. For persistent clumping or caking, vacuum sealing and desiccant packs inside packaging keep material in top condition. Investing in better dust control and local exhaust ventilation at weigh stations reduces both product loss and exposure risk for workers. If downstream reactivity or purity lags behind requirements, running a short purification step like recrystallization or flash chromatography can rescue otherwise problematic batches. The safest path always balances proper PPE, regular training, and keeping material safety data sheets up to date and easily accessible at the point of use.
