2,6-Difluorobenzonitrile, known by its molecular formula C7H3F2N, stands out as a valuable industrial chemical. The presence of two fluorine atoms at positions 2 and 6 on the benzene ring, along with a nitrile group, gives this compound a set of reliable characteristics. Its CAS number, 1897-52-5, ensures clarity in trade and scientific reference. Chemists use it as an intermediate while making other specialty chemicals and pharmaceutical substances. It comes primarily as a white to off-white crystalline solid, though powders and small flakes show up, especially from some suppliers or after storage. Anyone who works in a chemical laboratory will quickly recognize its subtle musty odor, a sign of volatile organics.
Precision in chemical description makes handling safer and work more efficient. 2,6-Difluorobenzonitrile features a melting point range usually between 51 and 53°C, shifting slightly with impurities or humidity levels. Its boiling point settles near 220–225°C, highlighting a moderate degree of volatility—especially compared to non-fluorinated relatives. The molecule forms colorless crystals, and under room temperature, the product keeps its solid form without bubbling off or sticking to containers. With a density near 1.24 g/cm³, this compound sits at the heavier end of small aromatic nitriles but still pours easily as a dry powder. Its solubility remains limited in water—less than 0.1 g per 100 mL, so most users dissolve it in organic solvents like dichloromethane or acetone, two workhorses of industrial and lab settings.
On paper, the structure appears simple: a benzene ring, two fluorines opposite the nitrile. In practice, these modifications set the molecule apart. The electronegative fluorines reduce reactivity at the aromatic core, making this compound stable during typical handling yet reactive at the nitrile when called for. Many synthetic chemists appreciate the selective reactivity here. In my own experience, the challenge isn’t handling instability—it’s making sure processes stay clean, since this molecule can introduce impurities if not handled in closed, well-ventilated vessels.
2,6-Difluorobenzonitrile turns up in a range of applications—most notably as a raw material in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Some active ingredients in crop protection rely on its unique reactivity. Other uses include specialty plastics and dyes. Factory-scale synthesis can involve hundreds of kilograms, while a research lab might only need a gram or less. Some companies sell this chemical as powder, others produce larger flakes, and a few ship it in crystalline or pearl-like pellets, depending on customer needs and production setup. In larger volumes, safe, airtight drum containers help preserve purity, and users monitor possible degradation.
Material purities for this compound often reach 98% or higher, a bar that reflects both regulatory standards and sheer necessity for downstream users. Impurity profiles—chlorides, heavy metals, or water—can make or break specific syntheses. Storage facilities keep it dry, since nitriles are prone to hydrolysis reactions with water in the presence of acid or base. In international trade, the HS Code usually falls under 292690 based on the structure and category of aromatic nitriles. Meeting customs and environmental regulations keeps shipments moving and reduces compliance risk, both for small shipments and bulk orders flowing through major ports.
Many industrial chemicals carry risks, and 2,6-Difluorobenzonitrile raises its own red flag. Nitriles are widely recognized as an inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact hazard. Direct exposure can irritate respiratory organs, eyes, and skin, especially in powder or fine flakes that become airborne. In quantities used in most laboratories, fume hoods and gloves serve as essential protections. On a personal note, the first time I handled solid aromatic nitriles, a small spill on a distant benchtop left lingering discomfort in the room for hours, underscoring the importance of local and whole-room ventilation. Spills clean up with damp disposable towels, and all contaminated waste goes in special bags for incineration. With big orders moving by rail or truck, UN hazard labeling and transport precautions follow chemical regulations precisely—no shortcuts.
Manufacturers and handlers approach 2,6-Difluorobenzonitrile with respect, knowing both its value and risks. Long-term storage leans on sealed glass or high-density polyethylene drums, kept far from acids, bases, and strong oxidants. Emergency eye wash and shower stations mark smart planning in all facilities using this chemical, and spill kits tailored to organics stand ready nearby. For both new and experienced staff, training does more than tick regulatory boxes—it underscores how even slight exposures add up over decades. Respiratory protection and regular airflow checks give peace of mind. Looking forward, switching to less hazardous feedstocks and using closed systems could bring about significant safety and environmental gains. Chemical engineers continue to seek out practical ways to recover and recycle solvents used with this nitrile, keeping costs down and emissions in check.
On the global chemicals market, demand for 2,6-Difluorobenzonitrile rides the growth of pharmaceuticals, especially specialty drugs that need particularly challenging intermediates. Asian markets fuel strong demand, especially as domestic chemical production expands. Buyers scan for stable and clean sources, and raw material traceability ranks highly in audits. Lab researchers focus on efficiency—less waste, higher yields, greener reactions. Industrial users push packaging innovation and digital tracking to stay on top of purity and compliance requirements.
2,6-Difluorobenzonitrile, molecular formula C7H3F2N, appears as a solid or powder at room temperature, with a density of about 1.24 g/cm³ and low vapor pressure. It resists hydrolysis under anhydrous conditions, reacts cleanly in properly managed chemical syntheses, and meets HS Code 292690 in most jurisdictions. It poses recognized health risks, and compliance with regulatory and safety practices ensures reliable, responsible use throughout the supply chain.
