4-Fluoroaniline stands as an aromatic amine that brings together a fluorine atom at the fourth position on the benzene ring, paired with an amino group. In daily work at the lab bench, you quickly learn how minor changes in a molecule like this make a world of difference. The chemical formula for 4-Fluoroaniline is C6H6FN, carrying a molecular weight of 111.12 g/mol. This compound appears in solid form under standard conditions, and you will often notice it as crystalline flakes or sometimes as a powder. The compound carries a sharp, penetrating odor, similar to other anilines, making its presence obvious in a closed space long before you actually spot the crystals.
For those who handle chemicals every day, understanding physical characteristics is more than textbook knowledge—it's about safety and performance. 4-Fluoroaniline typically forms off-white to pale yellow crystalline solids. Its melting point falls near 52°C, while it boils around 182°C, so it moves from solid to liquid at temperatures you might find in a heated warehouse. The density checks in at about 1.188 g/cm³, which matches my experience watching it settle at the bottom of a beaker before mixing. Solubility is moderate in polar solvents like alcohols, but it tends to resist water, which leads to additional steps for dissolving or cleaning glassware. Storage demands well-sealed containers and a cool, dry shelf away from acids or oxidizers, as it reacts quite vigorously when provoked. Over the years, I’ve noticed that poorly stored product picks up moisture, clumps together, and becomes much harder to measure accurately, which throws off calculations and creates waste.
The structure of 4-Fluoroaniline hinges on its benzene ring, where the fluoro group sits opposite the amino group. That layout gives the molecule its unique reactivity and ensures it shows up in specialty syntheses, especially when you need electronic effects from the fluorine. Its formula, C6H6FN, gives away just enough information at a glance, but actually handling the powder reminds you that each tweak on the ring introduces real-world changes—solubility, melting point, toxicity, even the shade of yellow in the crystal batch. Researchers rely on its predictable structure when seeking selective reactions or specific substituent effects in the synthesis of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. Over years of observing how different grades behave, I’ve learned that batch purity can affect yield in sensitive pharmaceutical work, so using analytical tools like NMR or GC-MS becomes crucial in labs that demand perfect outcomes.
Manufacturers offer 4-Fluoroaniline in several formats—crystals, flakes, powder, and sometimes pre-dissolved in solution for immediate use. This variety means buyers can choose the right presentation to reduce waste and save processing time. Bulk shipments usually arrive in solid, crystalline form, tightly vacuum-sealed. Standard technical specifications focus on purity, often listed as above 99%, while impurities such as water content remain below 0.3%. Detailed data sheets usually mention melting and boiling points, appearance, and hazardous ingredient percentages for regulatory compliance. Workers in chemical handling must rely on precise labeling, and over several years, I’ve seen firsthand how confusion from mislabeled drum shipments has forced entire batches to be re-tested, triggering resource drain and unnecessary delays.
The Harmonized System (HS) Code for 4-Fluoroaniline is typically 29214200, which you see on customs filings and international trade documents. Regulations worldwide treat 4-Fluoroaniline as a material of concern due to its toxicity. This compound passes through numerous checkpoints before shipping, as most governments classify aromatic amines as controlled or hazardous materials. Strictly enforced MSDS guidelines label this chemical as toxic and potentially harmful if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin. In my own projects, even small spills have led to evacuation protocols due to the harsh odor and the acute effects of exposure, including headaches and respiratory irritation. Proper PPE—gloves, goggles, and fume hood—becomes non-negotiable during any routine handling. Safety data demands immediate access to eye wash stations and spill mitigation plans to avoid accidental injuries or chronic health risks, especially in production-scale environments.
Exposure to this chemical affects human health through skin absorption, inhalation, or accidental ingestion. Common reactions include eye and respiratory tract irritation, while chronic exposure in poorly ventilated conditions can pose greater risks, ranging from methemoglobinemia to organ damage. Over a decade spent working both in labs and consulting for chemical plants, I’ve found that proactive risk controls matter more than clever engineering solutions. Ensuring sealed storage in cool, dark places, maintaining tight seals on bulk containers, and using chemical-resistant shelving can help reduce unexpected exposure. Training teams to avoid complacency after years of incident-free handling keeps dangerous slips at bay, especially during peak production months or under time pressure.
In the world of chemical raw materials, 4-Fluoroaniline plays a key part in producing dyes, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. Its electron-withdrawing fluoro group and reactive amino group allow chemists to synthesize a broad range of intermediates. Working with dye manufacturers, I’ve seen 4-Fluoroaniline used as a building block to introduce selective color fastness and improved product durability. In pharma labs, it often ends up in bioactive molecules—antibiotics or anticancer agents—for applications where minor molecular tweaks create new patentable compounds or more effective treatments. Agrochemical companies seek 4-Fluoroaniline to tailor the action of specific herbicides and pesticides, looking for improved potency with lower toxicity to non-target species. Adopting rigorous supply chain control and regular testing for impurities ensures that raw material quality remains high, reducing lost yield and costly batch failures. Regular audits of suppliers and peer consultations in the industry have shown me that reliable sourcing defines the difference between progress and costly setbacks, especially in high-stakes applications like life sciences and food production.
