4-Fluoroanisole stands out as an aromatic organic compound built on a benzene ring, marked by both a fluorine atom and a methoxy group at the para position. The molecular formula for this compound is C7H7FO, with a molar mass of 126.13 g/mol, which lines up with the basic expectations for a fluorinated anisole derivative. Sitting at the interface between organic synthesis and specialized chemical manufacturing, 4-Fluoroanisole shows up in raw material stockrooms, research labs, and sometimes production lines where chemical building blocks come into play.
Each molecule of 4-Fluoroanisole holds a distinct structure: a methoxy group (-OCH3) at the fourth position, directly opposite a fluorine atom on the benzene ring. This substitution gives the compound a mixture of polarity and reactivity, useful in numerous chemical syntheses. 4-Fluoroanisole appears as a colorless liquid at room temperature, and its melting point hovers around -36 °C with a boiling point at approximately 173–175 °C. The density settles at about 1.128 g/cm³, fairly typical for low molecular weight aromatic ethers. Its physical state—liquid under standard conditions—makes it straightforward to measure and handle, from liters to smaller laboratory quantities. The aromatic core lends practical stability but introduces safety and handling demands that don’t show up in less reactive commodities.
Direct handling reflects an array of specifications: purity levels commonly exceed 98%, with moisture and residual solvents kept in strict check. Organoleptic qualities often get less attention in chemical circles, but the faint, ether-like odor signals the presence of methoxy and fluoro groups. Commercial orders commonly ask for quantities ranging from grams to drums, whether supplied as a pure liquid or dissolved in common solvents for easier dosing. The liquid is clear and free from suspended solids, so filtration steps rarely come up. Batch-specific certificates list vital statistics such as refractive index (1.4950 to 1.4970 at 20 °C) and flash point, which hangs near 65 °C. Given the volatility, material moves in tight-sealed glass or steel containers to protect against evaporation and accidental inhalation.
Customs and international trade line up behind a specific HS Code. For 4-Fluoroanisole, the code falls in the realm of “other aromatic ethers,” most commonly under 2909.50. This sets the stage for compliance as shipments move across borders, and importers keep their records tidy. The compound’s status makes it subject to the usual chemical registration laws and safety data sheet (SDS) requirements on the global market. So, researchers and procurement teams need full transparency from their suppliers. Inventory management software flags it for monitoring, partly due to the fluorinated nature that can flip regulatory status in certain jurisdictions.
Experience shows how easily people can overlook the dangers tied to what looks like a clear, innocuous liquid. 4-Fluoroanisole counts as both harmful and hazardous, flagged for risks related to skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion. Vapor can irritate the respiratory tract, and the skin can absorb enough to trigger minor symptoms for those without gloves. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) matters in every industrial and laboratory setting. The Safety Data Sheet calls for goggles, nitrile gloves, and good ventilation, with emergency eye-wash stations nearby. Fire professionals need to remember its flash point when storing larger amounts. Spills call for absorbent material followed by incineration or regulated hazardous waste disposal. Repeated exposure, even at low levels, carries risks not always shown in short-term studies, so regular training and chemical hygiene protocols belong in every organization using this material.
The greatest value of 4-Fluoroanisole doesn’t come from mass-market consumer products but rather from its role as a raw material in pharmaceuticals, advanced materials research, and fluorinated compound synthesis. Medicinal chemists sometimes use it to build small molecular scaffolds that end up in new drugs, leveraging the electron-withdrawing effects of fluorine to modify biological activity. Specialty coating manufacturers, fragrance developers, and electronics firms also seek it for niche roles where a para-fluoro substitution makes a real difference. Even as regulations on organofluorines tighten in some regions, the global footprint of 4-Fluoroanisole grows steadily, driven by innovation at the intersection of synthetic chemistry and materials science.
Supply chains for 4-Fluoroanisole depend not only on efficient batch synthesis but steady sources of raw anisole and fluorinating reagents. Production routes often yield side-products or require scrupulous purification, so waste treatment and disposal become integral. Chemical industries see increased calls for green chemistry solutions: improved yields, catalysts that minimize environmental burden, and recycling of solvents and byproducts. Technicians and plant managers who invest in safety and continuous oversight see lower incident rates, better product quality, and enhanced long-term viability. Educational outreach and worker training are some of the cheapest, most practical steps to bolster both safety and sustainability. As demand rises, research communities push for scalable synthesis that lowers both cost and ecological impact while keeping the door open for regulatory compliance in all markets where 4-Fluoroanisole plays a role.
