2-Cyanophenylboronic acid 1,3-propanediol ester stands out in the landscape of organic chemistry as a specialized compound that bridges boronic acids and diols. This compound comes from the esterification of 2-cyanophenylboronic acid with 1,3-propanediol. Such cornerstones of boron chemistry have carved out a spot for themselves in pharmaceutical research, advanced material science, and organic synthesis labs. I see more labs stocking this kind of ester since it gives organic chemists a reliable platform for Suzuki-Miyaura coupling and a flexible approach to fine-tuning reactivity in complex transformations.
2-Cyanophenylboronic acid 1,3-propanediol ester enters synthesis routes where mild and controllable reactivity tops the list of concerns. Over years of hands-on lab experience, I have seen this ester enable precision in forming carbon-carbon bonds, which brings efficiency to drug design and discovery. Research teams looking to generate functionalized biphenyl derivatives make good use of this ester’s reactivity profile. It also finds its way into some sectors of plastics modification and advanced electronics research, particularly where boron’s presence imparts unique electronic or structural features to the material. Despite its specialized use, the reliability and somewhat adjustable reactivity keep it relevant for a wide audience of professionals handling raw intermediate chemicals.
2-Cyanophenylboronic acid 1,3-propanediol ester typically presents as a white to off-white solid, often sold as flakes, powder, or occasionally as crystalline pearls. Its solid form ensures easy weighing and handling during synthesis. The ester boasts a molecular formula of C10H12BNO3, which matches well with its moderate molecular weight. With a density coming in around 1.20 g/cm³, it packs efficiently into storage containers, and the consistency holds steady under controlled lab conditions.
Visualizing the chemical, it showcases a boronic acid group protected by the diol moiety of 1,3-propanediol. The molecule attaches a cyano group at the ortho position of the aromatic phenyl ring, enhancing electron-withdrawing power and tuning its behavior in coupling reactions. During bench work, I have noticed this arrangement blocks unwanted side reactions, protecting valuable starting materials and steering transformations toward the desired product. Its stable solid state means you won’t worry about rapid degradation under standard lab lighting and air exposure, as long as it stays sealed and moisture-free.
2-Cyanophenylboronic acid 1,3-propanediol ester generally meets industry expectations for purity at or above 97%, as confirmed by NMR and HPLC quality controls. The material’s melting point usually falls within the range of 95°C to 115°C. As a solid, it dissolves well in a number of organic solvents like dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and tetrahydrofuran, although solubility may drop in polar aqueous solutions due to the nonpolar aromatic portion.
The compound falls under the harmonized system (HS) code for organic chemicals, often 2931900099 depending on the jurisdiction and specific customs definitions. Shipping compliance becomes straightforward because this ester does not rank among substances flagged for aggressive reactivity or acute environmental impact under standard chemical shipping regulations. Documentation trails provided by suppliers usually contain details on its composition, molecular structure, and assurance of raw material control, in line with current GHS labeling requirements.
My own experience handling this compound in bulk found that its density of approximately 1.20 g/cm³ supports storage in a variety of vessel types, including glass and high-density polyethylene. Most suppliers offer the product in flakes, crystalline powder, or irregularly shaped granules, balancing flowability and ease of measurement. When dissolved, it forms clear to slightly cloudy solutions depending on the solvent. Measured by the liter for solution prep, it allows straightforward calculation for reaction scale-up, which saves valuable prep time during research or production.
With any boronic ester, safe handling practices become second nature. Despite no overtly dangerous characteristics, the cyano functional group and aromatic boron core invite careful management, particularly when it comes to inhalation or direct contact. I always use gloves and eye protection, as the compound can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract on direct exposure. While the literature categorizes it as non-flammable, its dust can still pose a respiratory hazard; hence, at the bench, a fume hood gets used for weighing and transfer. Waste streams should not hit the aqueous drain untreated, as small-molecule boron compounds might cause aquatic toxicity if unmanaged.
This boronic ester’s reactivity gets shaped by the balance between the steric and electronic effects of its constituents. The cyano group increases its selectivity in catalytic cross-coupling, while the diol protection offers stability against premature hydrolysis. It comes together from two primary raw materials: high-purity 2-cyanophenylboronic acid and 1,3-propanediol. Producers keep a close watch on purity levels because trace metal or chloride contamination dramatically impacts reactivity profiles downstream. My manufacturing colleagues say that even minor changes in raw diol quality show clear effects on the final product’s handling and reactivity, underscoring the compound’s reputation as a test of laboratory control.
Compounds like 2-cyanophenylboronic acid 1,3-propanediol ester play a quiet but crucial part in pushing innovation at the edge of pharmaceuticals and advanced polymers. Their defined properties, straightforward safety management, and suitability for key reactions set a high bar for specialty reagents. Ongoing improvement in raw materials and sourcing integrity remains central to expanding their role in environmentally mindful production and safer research environments. For those of us who spend our days juggling vials and reaction schemes, access to reliably characterized boronic esters makes a difference in project timelines and in the ultimate safety of the materials that reach the market.
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