3,5-Difluoroaniline: What It Is, Properties, and Practical Considerations

Core Description and Chemical Identity

3,5-Difluoroaniline stands out in the world of aromatic compounds. The core chemical structure brings together an aniline backbone, with the addition of two fluorine atoms at the third and fifth positions on the benzene ring. Known under the molecular formula C6H5F2N, this compound has a specific molar mass of about 129.11 g/mol. In material terms, it generally presents as a colorless to light yellow solid, sometimes as flakes, needles, or an oily liquid when warmed. The density rests close to 1.29 g/cm³. Synthetically, a typical starting point involves the halogenation of aniline, which provides chemists with a quick pathway to dialkylated aromatics used throughout industrial and research settings.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Within the laboratory, 3,5-Difluoroaniline shows properties akin to other amine derivatives. Its melting point usually falls somewhere around 35 to 38 °C, while the boiling point tops out near 196 to 198 °C under standard atmospheric pressure. It remains sparingly soluble in water but dissolves easily in organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and chloroform, letting researchers leverage its flexibility in various synthesis processes. Thanks to the electron-withdrawing effects of the fluorine atoms, the compound displays increased stability compared to unsubstituted aniline. This altered electronic structure affects everything from basicity to reactivity, guiding chemists during downstream transformations, such as cross-coupling reactions or further functionalization for pharmaceuticals or agrochemical raw materials.

Material Forms: Solid, Flake, Powder, and Solution

Handling and application methods differ based on the physical state of 3,5-Difluoroaniline. In industry and research environments, the material can be sourced as a crystalline solid, fine powder, or sometimes offered in solution to simplify accurate volumetric dosing. Solid samples can form clean, easily weighed flakes, while powder distributes rapidly for reactions needing high surface contact. In liquid or solution form, it enables chemists to bypass melting and streamline preparation. These diverse forms relate directly to equipment calibration, safe storage, and precise logistics for chemical processes, especially when scaling pilot batches or continuous flow production lines.

HS Code and Supply Chain Details

Trade and regulatory bodies require consistent identification, and here the HS Code plays a starring role. 3,5-Difluoroaniline typically falls under HS Code 2921.42, which pertains to fluorinated aromatic amines. This code ensures the product receives correct customs handling, honors international supply chains, and helps identify the material for safety data tracking at every step in the global movement. For large-scale buyers and distributors, adhering to these codes ensures legal compliance and smooth logistics, reducing unwanted delays or penalties tied to misclassification of hazardous goods.

Health, Safety, and Handling Risks

In my own lab experiences, the practical reality of handling aromatic amines like 3,5-Difluoroaniline always keeps safety front-of-mind. This compound brings typical hazards tied to toxicity, inhalation risk, and possible skin or eye irritation. Safety protocols should always feature fume hoods, nitrile gloves, and chemical-resistant goggles. Spill management also rates as high priority, as exposure can lead to acute symptoms such as headaches or respiratory discomfort. Proper training goes a long way—accidents with raw amines highlight the importance of clean bench surfaces, tight containment, and constant ventilation. For warehouses and transport, secondary containment and clear labeling form the basic framework for risk reduction in a setting increasingly governed by occupational safety standards.

Applications and Industrial Significance

3,5-Difluoroaniline operates as a unique building block for specialty organic synthesis. The compound enables fine-tuning of molecules destined for pharmaceuticals—one example involves crafting kinase inhibitors or fluorinated analogs that extend the drug’s stability inside the body. Agrochemical producers look toward this molecule for synthesizing plant protection agents, while modern material scientists see it as a route to high-performance polymers with outstanding chemical resistance. This flexibility—rooted in that benzene ring and fluorine’s strong presence—explains the enduring draw for R&D teams. Demand lines up with the growth of both medicinal chemistry and advanced coatings, sparking ongoing conversations about synthetic efficiency and supply chain resilience.

Regulatory and Environmental Considerations

Working with fluorinated organics brings added scrutiny from environmental authorities. Many countries enforce strict control over emissions and waste management for compounds like 3,5-Difluoroaniline. Labs and plants collect scrap residues, route liquid wastes to specialized disposal services, and sometimes invest in carbon scrubbing or catalytic destruction to limit any fluorine-based pollution. My early career stints taught me that proactive compliance—such as scheduling annual training and keeping updated MSDS files—eases audits and ensures a responsible approach, both for worker health and the local ecosystem.

Improving Safety and Sustainability

Solutions for industry-wide safe handling begin with engineering controls: closed systems, non-permeable work surfaces, and standardized lockout/tagout practices. Ongoing education stands as the strongest tool—chemical users who know the risks make fewer costly mistakes. For a future-facing approach, researchers keep searching for greener synthesis routes and functional group substitutions that dial down toxicity without losing performance. Manufacturing trends now tilt toward solvent recycling and recovery, waste minimization, and continuous monitoring to close the loopholes that once let hazardous raw materials slip past notice. By sticking to transparent MSDS documentation and investing in greener pipelines, companies make real strides in chemical stewardship while keeping pace with the demands of the modern marketplace.