3-Fluorophenylboronic acid stands out as a specialty chemical with a place in organic synthesis and modern materials research. In labs and industry, it crops up as a raw material for crafting pharmaceuticals, catalysts, and specialty polymers. The structure draws attention: a benzene ring bears a fluorine atom at the third position and a boronic acid group. This configuration tailors its reactivity, offering chemists a direct tool for making carbon-carbon bonds through Suzuki-Miyaura coupling—a reaction that helped chemists shape medicines faster and cleaner. The compound shows adaptability, from compound libraries to agrochemical design, and its use has moved beyond academic curiosity into practical tools for synthetic chemists.
As a solid, 3-fluorophenylboronic acid shows up as off-white to tan flakes or powder, sometimes fine crystalline. This physical state makes it easy to handle during weighing, mixing, or solvent transfer. Its density, hovering around 1.26 g/cm³, means storage doesn’t take up much space nor does transport cause special problems when boxed or bottled. The molecular formula is C6H6BFO2, while its formula weight lands near 139.93 g/mol. Every gram contains a balance of boron, fluorine, and an aromatic ring, allowing it to retain stability under regular ambient conditions. The melting point sits within a typical boronic acid range (around 175-180°C), which lets it survive gentle heating without breakdown, a property handy for reactions that need mild to moderate heat. In water, the compound dissolves sparingly but shows better solubility in organic solvents like ethanol, dichloromethane, or acetone—a nod to its compatibility with a wide range of synthetic chemistry protocols.
The molecule links a planar phenyl ring, bearing a fluorine at position three, to a boronic acid group (–B(OH)2). This planarity, plus the electron-withdrawing effect from the fluorine, tunes the acidity and reactivity of the boronic acid. Chemists take advantage of this structure to improve yields in carbon-carbon bond formation, especially in drug development where making fine adjustments can mean the difference between an inactive compound and an active pharmaceutical. Analytical work, such as NMR, confirms the distinct electronic environment around the ring, making identification straightforward. Its precise architecture supports not only synthesis, but also mechanistic studies and material science investigations.
3-Fluorophenylboronic acid must meet certain purity benchmarks in commercial practice. Laboratories and manufacturers request it at purities above 97%, with moisture content and residual solvents kept to a minimum. Supply forms include crystalline powder, solid chunks, or sometimes small pearls, making it easy to portion out or dissolve. Bulk properties—flow, stability, resistance to decomposition—rely partly on keeping it in tightly sealed containers since moisture can degrade the boronic acid function over time. Vendors detail batch specifications, enabling buyers to trace each lot and assess its performance in sensitive synthesis. To support safe transport and customs documentation, shipments include clear labeling, with the HS Code assigned as 2931.39, classed under organo-inorganic compounds. Proper documentation avoids regulatory hang-ups, especially across international borders.
While 3-fluorophenylboronic acid provides value across industries, users must keep its chemical hazards in mind. Direct contact with the skin and eyes, or inhaling dust, causes irritation—standard fare for aromatic boronic acids. Storage guidelines call for keeping the jar tightly closed, at room temperature, out of direct sunlight and away from oxidative chemicals. Splash goggles and gloves keep accidents from becoming incidents; handling in a ventilated hood cuts dust inhalation. In terms of broader safety, accidental spills demand quick cleanup—dust can be swept with damp material to limit airborne spread. From a regulatory perspective, 3-fluorophenylboronic acid does not sit among the most notorious hazardous chemicals but, as with all lab reagents, routine respect minimizes harmful exposure. Waste disposal must follow local environmental codes, ensuring boronic acids don’t accumulate in groundwater or soil. Users see these safety routines as habit more than exception, built on years of personal lab experience and reinforced by up-to-date SDS sheets.
Across pharmaceuticals, electronics, and specialty material sectors, 3-fluorophenylboronic acid finds steady demand as a raw material. At the bench or in the plant, it feeds into processes that turn small molecules into valuable drugs, sensors, or fine chemicals. Coupling chemistry leans on this acid for introducing fluorinated aromatic rings—an approach known to fine-tune the biological activity or conductivity of target products. In my experience, every gram used in research laboratories offers both discovery and problem-solving opportunities—sometimes as part of lead optimization, other times in fundamental reaction exploration. Companies chasing new agrochemicals, OLED intermediates, or enzyme inhibitors keep this boronic acid in their sourcing lists because of its established robustness in synthetic pathways. Its market presence remains stable, supported by suppliers that know the importance of batch uniformity and traceable specifications.
Molecular structure determines performance. 3-Fluorophenylboronic acid stands for C6H6BFO2, with each atom in the molecule playing a role in how it behaves under reaction conditions. Analytical chemists use techniques like NMR, IR, and LC-MS to confirm identity—crucial steps for labs that can’t afford off-spec material. Experience shows that labs with strong quality assurance keep this compound locked down in terms of standardization, from raw material intake to product batch release. The knowledge that this molecular backbone stays reproducible gives researchers confidence to build complex molecules or push the boundaries of what’s possible in synthesis or new material design.
Working safely with 3-fluorophenylboronic acid comes down to informed habits. The chemistry community invests time in safety training and equipment audits. Looking ahead, packaging improvements—like moisture-reducing containers or single-use ampoules—can cut waste and chemical degradation. Clear hazard labeling, backed up by rigorous lot testing, makes sure everyone along the supply chain knows how to protect themselves. Suppliers show greater transparency in safety data and environmental impact, building trust with end users. Green chemistry initiatives continue pushing manufacturers toward less hazardous processes and more sustainable waste management. Over years in the lab, I’ve seen vigilance around handling shift from “just another chore” to “everyone’s business,” which protects both health and the future of these pivotal raw materials.
