2-Chloro-2',4'-difluoroacetophenone belongs to a group of halogenated acetophenones recognized in the specialty chemicals sector and research labs. As a compound, it features a distinct molecular structure with the chemical formula C8H5ClF2O and a molecular weight of 190.58 g/mol. Each molecule houses a chloro group at the second position, and fluoro substitutions at the 2’ and 4’ positions on the aromatic ring. This arrangement alters reactivity and affects its behavior in downstream synthesis routes for pharmaceuticals, crop protection, and advanced materials.
A look at its physical make-up reveals a solid material at room temperature. It appears as off-white to pale yellow flakes or crystals, though sometimes it comes as a powder or even in pearl-like granules. The molecular structure stabilizes the phenyl and ketone core, which modifies not only the reactivity during chemical processes but also handling and storage needs in the lab or factory. The presence of electronegative halogen atoms (chlorine and fluorine) brings a boost in resistance to breakdown and introduces particular safety hazards. Most bottles describe a density in the range of 1.38 to 1.45 g/cm³, and melting points hover around 50 to 55 degrees Celsius, though batch variability sometimes changes these numbers slightly. In solution, its behavior shifts based on polarity and temperature, which matters for those mixing stock solutions or preparing it as a precursor for more complex molecules.
Downtime from inconsistent material forms costs time and money, especially in chemical production. 2-Chloro-2',4'-difluoroacetophenone reaches shelves as flakes, fine powder, sometimes as crystals, or as pearls. Keeping particle size consistent affects mixing and reaction speed for chemists and chemical engineers. A neat, dry, well-ventilated storage area controls for clumping and loss of purity. Each shipment and product batch carries a specification sheet, spelling out moisture content, assay, melting range, and impurity profile. These details keep labs out of trouble when scaling reactions or adhering to regulatory guidelines.
Customs and import controls assign this compound the HS Code 291439, putting it in the broader category of halogenated acetophenones. For global trade, proper code labeling determines whether the product clears regulatory checks and reaches users on time. Raw material sourcing sits at the foundation of any chemical business, and reliable suppliers stay up to code on registration, transport licenses, and regional hazardous materials rules. Sourcing high-purity starting reagents not only improves the finished compound purity but also lowers the risk of accidents during reactions.
Safety with halogenated benzene derivatives stands on solid facts. Eye and skin contact with even a small amount of 2-Chloro-2',4'-difluoroacetophenone can cause chemical burns and irritation. Inhalation leads to respiratory distress. Protective gear—gloves, goggles, lab coat—remains non-negotiable in any lab or plant setting. Spills should be addressed using neutralizing agents and contained with inert absorbents like dry sand. Proper fume extraction keeps air quality high. Disposal ties directly to hazardous waste protocols set by local environmental authorities, tying chemical safety to public and environmental health.
Those who work with specialty chemicals understand why precise description and careful practice matter so much. Accurate knowledge of molecular weight, density, and melting point underpins every calculation from small-batch syntheses to full-scale plant runs. A mistake in physical property reference leads to dangerous exothermic reactions or unexpected byproducts. Laboratories relying on reputable material data enjoy few surprises during scale-up or formulation. I remember sorting through inconsistent powder and pearl samples early on in my career, and the headaches that arose from improper safety labeling and ambiguous density records, which added stress to otherwise straightforward reaction setups. Without accurate information, accident risk and costs rise steeply, so every manufacturer and end-user benefits from strict attention to the small print in chemical data sheets.
Effective specialty building blocks like 2-Chloro-2',4'-difluoroacetophenone go into synthesizing complex organic molecules for pharmaceuticals and crop protection, where selectivity and reactivity profiles have huge commercial value. The specific halogen pattern in this compound means researchers pick it over standard acetophenone when they need improved resistance to metabolism or modification in biological systems. Chemical manufacturers depend on the consistent physical properties of the starting material to meet procedural controls and tight specifications in finished drugs or intermediates. Any deviation in melting point or particle morphology leads to delays, increased cost, or even pen-to-paper product recalls.
Anyone working with this chemical confronts the reality that hazard potential does not always equal visible danger. Exposure guidelines and workplace safety trainings outline risks in crystal-clear terms. Fume hoods and closed transfer systems cut down on inhalation risk. Emergency showers and eyewash stations keep people protected in case of accidental splashes. For transportation and large-scale movement, material safety data accompanies every drum, and compliance with international hazardous shipping codes—not just paperwork formality—can mean the difference between incident-free delivery and a regulatory mess. Old habits or shortcutting steps do more harm than good, as each incident with halogenated raw materials drives up insurance costs, hurts employee trust, and threatens public confidence in chemical safety more broadly.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | 2-Chloro-2',4'-difluoroacetophenone |
| Chemical Formula | C8H5ClF2O |
| Molecular Weight | 190.58 g/mol |
| Density | 1.38–1.45 g/cm³ |
| Forms | Flakes, Powder, Pearls, Crystals |
| Melting Point | 50–55°C |
| HS Code | 291439 |
| Hazard | Corrosive, Harmful by inhalation, ingestion, or contact |
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