4-[(5-Iodo-2-chlorophenyl)methyl]phenol stands out in the world of specialty chemical intermediates, bringing together halogen-substituted aromatic rings in a way that pulls from both established chemical methodology and the market’s need for functional raw materials. This compound contains both iodine and chlorine on a core phenyl structure, adding complexity and potential reactivity. Many researchers turn to it during pharmaceutical or agrochemical research, as the combination of halogen atoms with a phenolic core often leads to valuable properties for synthesis. Its identity gets cemented by a molecular formula of C13H10ClIO, which immediately gives a sense of its mass and the presence of dense halogens.
Diving into structure helps anyone working in development, manufacturing, or lab settings see the fine points about reactivity and material compatibility. The molecule’s setup centers around a biphenolic core, where a methyl group bridges a 5-iodo-2-chlorophenyl ring with a standard phenol group. The presence of iodine and chlorine atoms not only increases molecular weight and density, but alters electron distribution across the aromatic system. Structural diversity—achieved by attaching halogens in different positions—opens unique routes for subsequent synthetic reactions, making this compound a frequent stepping stone. The molecular weight lands at 328.58 g/mol, and that influences handling practices in both powder and solution form.
Shifting to the nature of the compound in hand, 4-[(5-Iodo-2-chlorophenyl)methyl]phenol usually presents itself as a solid at room temperature. In most storage conditions, it appears as a white to off-white crystalline solid, often forming flakes or powder, sometimes even pearls depending on the crystal growth conditions and storage history. These dense little crystals flow less freely compared to more granular chemicals, so weighing out exact amounts by hand calls for steady hands and a good laboratory spatula. Its physical state means it can pack tightly in containers, minimizing dust but requiring good air circulation if spilled or handled in bulk. The density, typically falling in the ballpark of 1.8 to 2.0 g/cm³ given the halogen content, shapes everything from shipping logistics to in-process blending.
Chemical purchasing and regulatory teams rely on international standards and specifications to ensure product purity and hazard tracing. Standard specifications for 4-[(5-Iodo-2-chlorophenyl)methyl]phenol usually demand at least 98% purity as required in fine chemical synthesis, with residue on ignition and trace impurities (especially residual solvents) kept minimal. The HS Code for this molecule typically falls under 2908.99, which categorizes halogenated aromatic compounds not elsewhere specified; this classification determines tariff rates and guides customs controls. Testing for compliance regularly includes HPLC trace analysis, spectral confirmation by NMR and MS, and elemental halogen quantification.
Solubility shapes how chemists work with a chemical in real settings, and 4-[(5-Iodo-2-chlorophenyl)methyl]phenol trends towards limited water solubility but dissolves well in most common organic solvents—DMF, acetonitrile, DMSO, and chloroform rank high on this list. Preparing test or reaction solutions demands measured additions, creating a stable working solution for downstream chemistry. Its crystalline solid nature means inhalation hazard rises if proper steps—use of a chemical fume hood, protective masks, and correct transfer tools—don’t come into play. Contact with skin should always be minimized, as halogenated aromatics sometimes cross the skin barrier more easily and can irritate or sensitize on repeated exposure.
Safety deserves real attention. This compound, with its reactive halogen substituents, often carries more risk than straightforward hydrocarbons. Iodinated and chlorinated compounds sometimes find their way into sensitive waterways or create unwanted byproducts during incineration. Safe storage demands cool, dry, clearly labeled containers, with attention given to glass or high-density polyethylene over metal, since halogenated aromatics sometimes corrode weaker materials. Precautionary labels as per GHS point out hazards like skin and respiratory tract irritation and stress the use of gloves, goggles, and long-sleeved clothing. Spill response means dry cleanup using absorbent pads, double-bagging of contaminated debris, and strict adherence to hazardous waste protocols. For transport or shipping, meeting standards like UN number, class, and packing group streamline safe documentation, helping avoid border holdups and regulatory fines.
Anyone working in synthesis or research and development sees 4-[(5-Iodo-2-chlorophenyl)methyl]phenol as a target-rich starting material. Thanks to the reactivity introduced by its halogen atoms, it fits well into many cross-coupling, nucleophilic substitution, or ligand formation strategies. Pharmaceutical developers use its scaffold to build complex drug candidates, focusing on halogen-mediated interactions or improving metabolic stability. Agrochemical teams use it to seed new herbicide or fungicide designs. Even academic groups aim for new materials by starting with this kind of functionalized aromatic system. Handling in these settings means bringing together best practices from academia, industry, and regulatory bodies, ensuring progress while safeguarding against known and emergent risks.
Reliable access to 4-[(5-Iodo-2-chlorophenyl)methyl]phenol matters for research productivity, pilot-scale development, and scaled manufacturing. Suppliers who invest in documentation—analytical reports, impurity profiles, safety data sheets, and COA—become partners in pushing science forward. Strong relationships with vendors supplying material of consistent quality reduce batch variability and streamline scale-up, limiting time lost to re-optimization or re-validation. Buyers and end users alike benefit from transparent hazard communication, batch tracking, and full regulatory disclosure. In a landscape shaped by intellectual property and new synthetic targets, sound knowledge of this molecule’s physical and chemical realities matters as much as the science for building the next generation of therapeutic and agricultural molecules.
