2,6-Difluorobenzamide is a chemical compound often used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, especially for agrochemical and pharmaceutical research. Its structure features a benzene ring holding two fluorine atoms on the 2 and 6 positions, along with an amide group at the 1 position. This molecular arrangement brings a balance between stability, reactivity, and specificity in chemical processes. For those in industry, remembering its formula—C7H5F2NO—helps when cross-checking purity or sourcing reliable suppliers.
Breaking down its molecular details, the formula C7H5F2NO gives away a lot about its handling and applications. Each molecule has seven carbon atoms arranged in an aromatic ring, two tightly-bound fluorines, a nitrogen, an oxygen, and five hydrogens. This structure usually comes to life through ball-and-stick models in the lab, but its crystalline form is what you’ll see in real shipments. Several material scientists find the fluorine atoms add notable electronegativity, which alters both boiling point and melting point compared to similar amides without fluorine.
In its pure state, 2,6-Difluorobenzamide takes shape as a white to off-white crystalline solid. Whether you touch it in powder, pearl, or flake form, it feels finely granular, not sticky or waxy like some other intermediates. Some chemical catalogs list its density as around 1.36 g/cm³ at room temperature. You won’t find it as a liquid or solution in standard shipments, because it holds together as a stable solid under regular storage conditions. Unless heated well past 100°C, it resists transformation, and even then, safety concerns jump to the forefront, given that inhalation or improper contact with finely dispersed powder can introduce risk.
Material specification sheets typically demand purity above 98%, with moisture content kept below a tight threshold, since water absorption can interfere with downstream reactions. Reliable suppliers confirm granular size range, solubility in ethanol and acetonitrile, and melting point—between 133°C and 136°C. Experience shows that even a small deviation in crystalline consistency, like excess fines or clumping, can mess up automated dosing equipment. Volume shipments—measured by the liter for solutions or kilogram for the raw material—must pass strict checks for lumps, discoloration, or contamination from synthesis byproducts.
2,6-Difluorobenzamide stands as a key link in the chain for making higher value chemicals, especially in herbicides and other crop protection compounds. Its fluorinated ring boosts potency for many target molecules and sometimes extends their shelf life or effectiveness in the field. Every time I review a batch certificate, I see how manufacturers prefer granular or pearl forms for quick dissolution, while powder can bring dust hazards if not handled with proper personal protective equipment. My own experience in the lab taught me that using the raw material in closed systems, with extractor fans running and dedicated waste bins, cuts down on environmental and occupational hazards from both powder residues and accidental spills.
2,6-Difluorobenzamide, like many fluorine-containing chemicals, raises the bar for handling safety. Skin or eye contact with the powder should be avoided, with gloves and goggles as standard kit. Some safety data sheets stress that, at high temperature or with strong acids, the material could produce harmful gases, so storage must avoid such incompatibilities. In my view, labeling and storage in sealed containers, with all containers clearly marked by hazard labels, is the surest route to safe inventory control. Spills—even of seemingly minor size—need to be collected for disposal under chemical waste protocols, not simply swept aside.
Internationally, 2,6-Difluorobenzamide tracks under HS Code 2924.29 as an acyclic amide derivative. This code simplifies customs declarations and trade compliance, but always check for specific import approvals or export controls in your country. Chemical buyers should always review the HS Code attached to material invoices, since customs authorities can delay shipments over classification issues.
Long-term shelf life depends on keeping 2,6-Difluorobenzamide in airtight, moisture-proof packaging, ideally in cool, dry spaces away from direct sunlight. In my experience, quality deteriorates faster when exposed unsealed, as humidity and air oxidation can degrade the crystalline structure. Checking integrity before use matters, especially for research-grade applications, where any hint of impurity creates potential for failed syntheses or toxic byproducts. The trend of moving toward more material-efficient multi-step synthesis makes reliable quality control and careful handling more critical every year.
