3,5-Dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroacetophenone is a specialty chemical, classed as an organofluorine compound, with a reputation built on its unique mix of elements. Chemically, its formula stands as C8H3Cl2F3O. In practical terms, this molecule brings together chlorine, fluorine, and a ketone group on a benzene ring. For those in the lab or industry, this means a compound designed for tough jobs, especially where selectivity and resistance to harsh conditions matter. The substance often comes up in conversations about custom synthesis and intermediate production, especially for active pharmaceutical ingredients and fluorinated agrochemicals. The product lands in the customs code system with HS Code 29147900, tracking it as a halogenated aromatic ketone used in global commerce and regulated trade. Memories in the lab include handling this compound in both solid and powder forms, each with a crystalline texture but different handling challenges. It can also be found in flakes or pearly granules, depending on storage methods and shipment conditions.
This compound enters the workspace as a crystalline solid at room temperature. Under closer inspection, the flakes and powder have a white to pale yellow appearance, with a melting point hovering near 50–55°C, so it holds its form until moderate heat gets involved. Density sits at roughly 1.55 g/cm3, making it heavier than water and offering clues on handling and separation processes. It has low solubility in water, which anyone who's tried dissolving it will recognize, but it does mix smoothly with organic solvents—think dichloromethane, acetone, or toluene. The high volatility of similar fluorinated ketones often gets flagged as a handling risk, but this compound prefers to stay put unless pushed by higher temperatures. Its molecular weight lands close to 261.01 g/mol, a number that matters for those measuring out raw materials in precise chemical reactions. Practical experience teaches that the product needs good containment since small crystals and dust can spread, sticking to gloves, beakers, and even weighing boats far more than bulkier granules.
Work with 3,5-Dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroacetophenone involves clear risks. This chemical demands respect, not only for its reactivity but for its potential hazards to skin, eyes, and especially the respiratory system. Handling the powder means dust can get airborne, and in inhaled form, it irritates mucous membranes and lungs. Standard practice includes gloves, goggles, and fume hoods without compromise—chemical engineering reminds us that shortcuts in safety turn into long-lasting problems. The compound can be harmful if swallowed or after prolonged skin contact, raising mild to moderate toxicity concerns, depending on the dose. Another piece overlooked outside specialty circles: the raw material’s halogen content also raises questions about hazardous combustion products in a fire, with hydrogen chloride, phosgene, and other toxic gases a real possibility. Emergency protocols for chemical spills rely on inert absorbents and careful cleanup, with strict avoidance of drains—persistent, halogenated organics shouldn’t meet water streams or soils. From years of handling similar chemicals, every bottle gets labeled clearly, and every transfer brings goggles and a spill kit within arm’s reach. Companies that source and distribute this raw material face a patchwork of national and international chemical laws under REACH, TSCA, and China’s MEE guidance—compliance isn’t an option, it’s survival.
Scientists and formulators turn to 3,5-Dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroacetophenone for a selection of tough synthetic targets. The molecule stands out for introducing trifluoromethyl and dichloro groups into organic frameworks—a feat central to modern drug design and pesticide development, where metabolic stability and resistance to oxidation decide a compound’s fate. Chemists look for such frameworks to boost potency and reach, borrowing these chemical “handles” for further reactions. The crystalline powder doubles as an intermediate, helping build larger, more complex molecules that show up in crop protection, advanced polymer research, or pharmaceutical innovation. Technicians know to keep storage dry and cool, with every gram inventoried carefully due to the high price tag of specialty fluorochemicals. In solution, this material serves as a starting point for nucleophilic substitutions, Friedel–Crafts acylations, and other transformations that would otherwise stall or produce too many side products. Looking at past projects, I’ve seen this compound selected because nothing else fits the same narrow template; it often unlocks a puzzle piece in a tricky synthetic route.
Long experience in chemical inventories underlines the need for airtight storage and low humidity. The powder’s tendency to absorb moisture and clump becomes an issue in poorly sealed containers, so high-density polyethylene bottles or amber glass jars are favorites. In a production setting, workers keep material well away from acids, oxidizers, and bases—reactivity here can mean more than just spoiled batches, it can mean hazardous byproducts. Every container bears a chemical hazard label, and safety data sheets stay posted nearby. As for disposal, environmental guidelines steer industry away from drains and landfill for halogenated organics. Only professionally licensed chemical waste handlers receive leftover stock, ensuring incineration under conditions that destroy harmful residues. The challenge the industry faces is clear: keep procedures tight, document every step, and choose the right containment from the start. The only worse outcome than a spill is an unreported incident that introduces such pollutants to wider ecosystems.
There’s a push across the global chemical trade for clear product data and transparent hazard communication. Companies and labs with experience on the ground know better than to cut corners with incomplete documentation or vague specifications. Certificates of analysis cover every batch, pinpointing identity and purity, and online systems keep track of purchasing, storage, and disposal for every kilogram. Where researchers ask for innovative synthesis, suppliers respond with extra detail about structure, formula, melting point, appearance, and risk handling. Meanwhile, regulatory agencies continue to strengthen rules around these raw materials, seeking greener alternatives or holding producers accountable for end-of-life management. That drive toward “safer chemistry” isn’t academic; it grows out of hard-won experience and public health priorities, as well as the economic cost of accidents and pollution. For anyone working with or around 3,5-Dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroacetophenone, those priorities become personal—nothing replaces real training, proper equipment, and a culture of safety that puts people and the environment first.
