5-Chloro-2-fluoroaniline stands out in a lab with its unique blend of properties, combining the worlds of aromatic amines and halogenated aromatics. The molecular formula, C6H5ClFN, pulls together a benzene ring with both a chlorine and a fluorine atom, alongside an amine group. That means the molecule carries the chemical identity of a chlorinated and fluorinated aniline. With a molecular weight around 145.56 grams per mole, this compound gets plenty of attention in research and in the chemical industry, especially for synthesis purposes.
Take a closer look at the sample in a container, and you’ll often see a pale yellow solid. Sometimes it appears as powder or small crystalline flakes, depending on purity and production method. Its density falls close to 1.3 g/cm3, giving it a bit more heft than water but less than many heavy raw materials. It resists dissolving in water, as expected for halogenated aromatics, but it blends smoothly with organic solvents like ether, ethanol, or even dimethylformamide. The melting point usually shows up between 35 and 40°C, where it transitions to a liquid, which can catch you by surprise if you’re used to working with less fusible materials. The compound steers clear of strong odors, though some sensitive noses catch a faint chemical scent.
The structure of 5-Chloro-2-fluoroaniline reads like a map for reactivity. One look at the ring tells you the chlorine atom sits at position five, fluorine at two, and the amine group at one, setting up significant electron distribution for certain substitution reactions. This molecular arrangement shapes both its reactivity and its place as a building block in complex organic syntheses. In storage, this compound holds steady at room temperature in a sealed, dry container. Sunlight tends to degrade some chemicals, but 5-Chloro-2-fluoroaniline manages decent stability unless exposed to extremes of heat or humidity.
Quality in any batch matters. Industry looks for color, particle size, and purity, often demanding 98 percent or higher. Analytical methods like HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) and NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy) draw the line between passable and premium product. Batches that veer from the required melting point or contain too much moisture raise red flags in applications such as fine-chemical synthesis, pharmaceutical intermediates, or dye manufacturing. The compound is catalogued worldwide under the Harmonized System (HS) Code 292142, which covers aromatic polyamines and their derivatives. Raw material buyers and customs agents turn to this number for identification and international shipping.
5-Chloro-2-fluoroaniline reaches factories and R&D centers as flakes, powders, and even granular pearls, packed tightly to block moisture. It can be measured in kilograms or liters when in solution, with tightly sealed drums or bottles to keep out air and light. Chemical suppliers tend to print batch numbers, gross weights, and safety data right on the label, which helps when tracking raw material usage or addressing spills.
This compound has its hazards, no question. Being an aromatic amine with halogens attached means it doesn’t belong in a home workshop. Lab workers and chemical handlers pull on gloves, goggles, and lab coats before touching it. Inhalation, ingestion, or direct skin contact can lead to irritation, and in some cases, exposure triggers longer-term health concerns. Safety data sheets stress storage away from sources of ignition, acids, and bases. If accidental exposure occurs, flushing with clean water and seeking immediate medical advice remains standard practice. Emergency equipment — eyewash stations and showers — sits nearby anywhere this material is weighed or dissolved. I always remind new staff: respect the properties, respect the process.
As a raw material, 5-Chloro-2-fluoroaniline secures a spot in the toolbox of pharmaceutical chemists and dye-makers. Synthesis teams reach for it to construct more elaborate molecular scaffolds, leveraging its reactive positions for precision substitutions. Custom pesticide formulae, specialty pigments, and drug intermediates rely on this very compound for controlled and predictable chemistry. The broad compatibility with different reagents and solvents supports its use in pilot plants as well as large-scale batch production, making it an anchor in multiple supply chains.
Governments and environmental agencies track compounds like this closely due to health and safety considerations. Waste disposal regulations require neutralization and incineration rather than dumping. Manufacturing sites implement containment, personal protective equipment, and spill protocols — experience teaches that accidents cost both productivity and morale. Research keeps pushing for methods to lower human and environmental risk, whether by finding safer substitutes or tightening controls on emissions and waste. Awareness and training pay dividends in both compliance and community relations.
Experience with 5-Chloro-2-fluoroaniline, as with many chemicals, proves that vigilance and strong protocol win over shortcuts. Maintaining clear safety information and batch records ensures traceability and compliance. For teams faced with challenges in handling, extra investment in fume hoods and automated transfer equipment reduces exposure and risk. Solutions like PPE upgrades, robust labeling, and regular safety drills save not just time, but also protect human health. Constant pursuit of better manufacturing practices can reduce hazards, limit environmental load, and deliver high-purity product for the most demanding applications.
