2,4-Difluorobenzylamine stands out as a clear and well-recognized compound for those who’ve spent time in chemical laboratories or industries. Built from a benzylamine core with two highly electronegative fluorine atoms attached at the 2 and 4 positions on the benzene ring, this material pops up in organic synthesis for preparing pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other specialty materials. The molecular formula is C7H7F2N, and its structure—showing aromatic stabilization interrupted by fluorination—gives it unique physical and chemical behavior that attracts specialized interest.
This compound typically shows up as a white to off-white crystalline solid under standard laboratory conditions. Sometimes, depending on storage and purity, it might present as a powder. Highly pure batches of 2,4-Difluorobenzylamine yield crystals with a solid, flaky appearance, while some forms can appear as small pearls or granular particulates. Its melting point usually lands between 38°C and 43°C, making it amenable for small-batch melting or dissolution in common lab solvents. With a molecular weight of roughly 143.14 g/mol and a density close to 1.18 g/cm3 at room temperature, practical measurements come pretty close to theoretical values, reflecting consistent manufacturing or synthesis quality.
In my own lab experience, handling this type of substance requires attention to detail; the faint, pungent odor often gives away its presence before confirming with any analytical method. Its solubility profile extends to ethanol, methanol, DMSO, and even DMF, so researchers or production chemists have options for dissolving and reacting it efficiently. As a basic amine, it can form salts with acids, so storing it in sealed, inert environments helps prevent unwanted reactions with moisture or carbon dioxide from the air.
2,4-Difluorobenzylamine can appear as a solid (flakes, powder, pearls, or crystal), but in solution form, it mixes into clear, sometimes colorless preparations. From a handling perspective, I learned to weigh out the solid quickly and transfer into solution under a fume hood; even a trace exposure leads to skin irritation in some people, so nitrile gloves matter. Manufacturers often ship it in tightly sealed bottles to prevent degradation and additional water uptake, and any lab using the raw material for scaling up syntheses knows containers should be kept cool and dry.
Dispensing out a liter, especially for batch processing, usually involves dissolving the solid in a compatible solvent followed by standardized titration to establish concentration for further use. No one wants inconsistent dosing in downstream chemical reactions, especially in pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis, where batch failures can mean huge material losses.
Global chemical trade relies on the Harmonized System (HS) Code, and 2,4-Difluorobenzylamine typically carries codes within the amine chemical subgroup, most often listed under 2921.19. Ensuring the right code for customs and safety paperwork prevents unnecessary shipping delays and regulatory confusion, something I’ve seen stall projects and even introduce compliance headaches when substances get reclassified.
With a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) that lists it as a harmful, hazardous chemical, everyone in the supply chain—from warehouse worker to chemist—should know that this is not a benign substance. Exposure can bring about respiratory, eye, and skin irritations. Proper air handling, ventilation, and basic PPE reduce risks considerably, but spill response measures should be in place for larger quantities as a precaution. Long-term exposure risks need more study, but the persistence of organofluorine molecules in the environment raises environmental health concerns. Waste should flow through established hazardous material channels, not general disposal streams, to avoid contaminating water supplies.
In manufacturing, companies often rely on well-established raw materials to produce 2,4-Difluorobenzylamine at scale. Precursors like 2,4-difluorobenzyl chloride and ammonia or primary amine sources react under controlled conditions, yielding the target compound. Each step introduces purity and yield challenges, often mitigated by investing in top-quality reagents and keeping environmental variables tightly controlled in the factory or plant. Having worked on scale-up projects, I’ve seen firsthand how batch discrepancies from poorly controlled processes impact both quality and downstream costs—highlighting the value of rigorous process validation.
Customers and end users in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, or material sciences sectors demand specifications that reflect tight purity standards, particle size distribution, and moisture content. Analytical labs typically run NMR, GC-MS, and HPLC to confirm identity and assay, and batch release only happens after thorough QC checks. Getting a reliable product means trusting the reputation of the supplier and keeping test records for every lot, ensuring regulatory and operational transparency.
Looking at its molecular structure, 2,4-Difluorobenzylamine’s benzene ring substituted with fluorine atoms changes electron density and reactivity. Fluorination enhances thermal and oxidative stability, a quality exploited by drug designers aiming for improved metabolic resistance or altered toxicity profiles. For chemists on the bench, these fluorine groups create specific spectral fingerprints, making it easier to distinguish from related compounds using NMR F-19 or MS fragmentation patterns. I’ve found that the chemical formula (C7H7F2N) simplifies batch calculations, allowing for fast molarity checks without confusion.
Beyond the bench and factory, handling concerns over safety, environmental release, and waste linger. Solving these challenges means investing in better fume controls, encouraging workers to undergo safety training, and choosing packaging that resists leaks or accidental exposure. Some organizations work with academic partners to design greener synthesis routes—methods that cut down on toxic reagents and lower hazardous waste output. Others track real-world exposures with monitoring systems, aiming for a safer workplace, especially where less experienced staff join the team.
On the regulatory side, clarity in labeling and documentation helps reduce incidents at ports or during shipping. Clearly stating the HS Code, keeping up-to-date SDS sheets, and adhering to international conventions simplify the journey from raw material to finished product while keeping compliance officers confident and markets open.
