2,4-Difluoroaniline brings together the basic structure of aniline with added fluorine at specific points on the aromatic ring. Chemists often refer to it by its molecular formula C6H5F2N. This compound stands out due to two fluorine atoms attached at the second and fourth positions on a phenyl group. That precise positioning shapes its chemical behavior, boiling point, and the way it fits into industrial processes.
Breaking down the structure, you see a benzene ring linked to an amine group—NH2—at one end. Fluorine atoms take up the two and four carbon sites on the ring. The IUPAC name pinpoints this arrangement: 2,4-difluoroaniline. Chemists know the importance of such configurations because even a slight variation changes solubility and reactivity. Every batch relies on careful synthesis to lock in the purity. Molecular weight comes in at about 129.11 g/mol, which matters when you work out dosages or assess handling needs. This structure gives the molecule a level of stability, yet certain combinations can unlock new reactions needed as raw materials in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals.
By eye, 2,4-Difluoroaniline usually forms as a solid, ranging from crystalline flakes to a fine powder or occasionally in pearls, depending on purity and how it crystallizes during manufacturing. Density typically settles around 1.26 g/cm³, giving a feel for how it behaves in storage bins and reaction vessels. With a melting point hovering near 24°C to 26°C, this chemical can soften in a warm room and stay clear at slightly higher temperatures. Sometimes you’ll find it as a clear to pale yellow liquid if kept warm or handled directly after synthesis. Odor has a sharp, amine-like note, which hints at its basic nature—a heads-up for safe handling.
Water solubility stays on the lower side due to the ring structure and fluorine’s influence, but 2,4-Difluoroaniline dissolves well in organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, and diethyl ether. Whether dealing with the powder or liquid form, transfer methods make a difference—using closed systems and chemical-resistant materials limits exposure. Keeping containers sealed and using ventilation stops vapors from drifting. Bulk storage leans on high-density polyethylene or glass, steering clear of metals that might react under extreme conditions.
Knowing the right numbers shapes everything from logistics to compliance. HS Code 29214200 covers aromatic monoamines like this molecule, so customs inspection should match each shipment to this classification. Labs test incoming material for purity, often aiming for at least 98%. Moisture levels and the presence of related isomers factor in when qualifying raw materials too. Data sheets from reputable chemical suppliers highlight appearance, assay, specific melting points, and trace impurity content. Documentation keeps companies and customers on the same page for regulatory submissions or audits.
Working around 2,4-Difluoroaniline means understanding the risks. Toxicity is a real concern: contact with skin or inhalation can lead to harmful effects, including irritation and, in large enough doses, organ damage. Exposure limits set by workplace safety boards keep levels low, but companies need to monitor air quality and train staff to use gloves, goggles, and fume hoods. Fire is another risk—vapors can ignite if sparked in the right range of concentrations. The chemical also poses environmental hazards; its resistance to natural degradation raises questions about its lifecycle once released. Responsible producers invest in treatment options like activated carbon and advanced distillation before disposal.
Industries lean on 2,4-Difluoroaniline as a core building block. Its electron-withdrawing fluorine atoms make it a springboard for synthesizing pharmaceuticals, agrochemical agents, and specialty dyes. Research labs opt for this compound when stepping toward advanced intermediates found nowhere else. Large-scale pharmaceutical recipes start with aniline derivatives like this one, fine-tuning biological activity for new drugs. Crop science companies value it for its role in selective herbicide compounds—fluorinated aromatic amines bring persistence and targeted action. Any raw material with fluorine handles tough chemical environments, pushing performance beyond what the parent hydrocarbon can deliver.
Every journey, from the factory to the end-user, involves careful handling. Temperature control keeps the material stable and avoids accidental melting or vaporization. Certified containers drum up confidence that accidental releases won’t happen during transit. Labels need to show the UN number and hazard class—standards exist to safeguard workers and protect freight handlers who may never set foot in a lab. Disposal isn’t a matter of dumping. Instead, incinerators designed for halogenated organic chemicals burn off leftovers, or specialized chemical treatment plants strip and neutralize toxic fragments. These layers make a measurable difference; nobody wants harmful amines in groundwater or open air.
Chemicals like 2,4-Difluoroaniline aren’t faceless supplies—they’re links in a chain stretching from research and development through global supply to finished goods. Years in chemical manufacturing drive home the lesson that one misstep with hazardous raw materials can set off a safety incident, trigger compliance problems, or damage a reputation. Direct experience with routine sampling and rigorous quality control often reveals sources of contamination or the reason behind subtle changes in product performance. These details show how chemistry solves real-world problems while carrying real risks. Industry benefits by keeping an eye on emerging data, investing in green synthesis, and sharing lessons learned across borders and disciplines.
As we look to the future of specialty chemicals, pressure rises to balance efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Properties like high density, chemical resilience, and functional groups offer room for innovation, but regulatory expectations keep shifting. Producers who document material specifications, trace lots, and invest in greener processes earn the trust of global customers—and help shape safer supply chains. In every bottle or drum of 2,4-Difluoroaniline, you see the result of careful practices reflecting both scientific discipline and real-world responsibility.
