2-(Difluoromethoxy)naphthalene: Properties, Uses & FAQs

2-(Difluoromethoxy)naphthalene is a fluorinated aromatic ether reagent featuring a difluoromethoxy group at the 2-position of the naphthalene ring, widely used as a synthetic building block and reference standard in organofluorine chemistry research.

Chemical Name

2-(Difluoromethoxy)naphthalene

CAS Number

To be confirmed — see product datasheet

Molecular Formula

C11H8F2O

Molecular Weight

210.18 g/mol

SKU

N699605

Functional Group

Difluoromethoxy ether (–OCF2H) on naphthalene

Recommended Storage

Cool, dry place; away from light and moisture — confirm with SDS

What Is 2-(Difluoromethoxy)naphthalene?

2-(Difluoromethoxy)naphthalene (SKU: N699605) is an organofluorine compound in which a difluoromethoxy group (–OCHF₂) is attached at the 2-position of the naphthalene aromatic ring system. The incorporation of the –OCHF₂ group imparts distinctive electronic and physicochemical properties compared with unsubstituted or methoxy-substituted naphthalenes, including increased lipophilicity modulation and metabolic stability — characteristics that make difluoromethoxy-bearing scaffolds attractive in medicinal chemistry and agrochemical research.

The compound belongs to the broader class of fluorinated aromatic ethers and serves as both a synthetic intermediate and an analytical reference standard. Its well-defined structure allows researchers to study the influence of the difluoromethoxy substituent on reactivity, spectroscopic behavior, and biological interactions.

Key Chemical Properties and Spectroscopic Characteristics

The molecular formula of 2-(Difluoromethoxy)naphthalene is C₁₁H₈F₂O, giving a molecular weight of approximately 210.18 g/mol. The –OCHF₂ group is characteristically identified by a distinctive triplet signal in ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopy, and by a characteristic C–H stretch in infrared spectroscopy associated with the CHF₂ moiety.

Because fluorine atoms are highly electronegative, the difluoromethoxy group acts as a moderate electron-withdrawing substituent through inductive effects while simultaneously donating electron density into the ring via resonance. This dual electronic behavior influences the regioselectivity of electrophilic and nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions on the naphthalene core.

Note: Exact melting point, boiling point, density, and purity specifications should be verified against the official Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) available from Aladdin Scientific for lot N699605.

Research Applications and Use Cases

2-(Difluoromethoxy)naphthalene finds application across several research domains:

• Medicinal Chemistry: The –OCHF₂ group is a well-recognized bioisostere for –OCH₃, –OH, and –CF₃ groups. Naphthalene-based difluoromethoxy scaffolds are employed in the design of enzyme inhibitors and receptor ligands where metabolic stability and membrane permeability are key parameters.
• Agrochemical Research: Fluorinated aromatic ethers are common structural motifs in crop protection compounds; this building block may serve as a model substrate or intermediate.
• Synthetic Methodology: The compound is used as a substrate for benchmarking new C–O bond-forming reactions, cross-coupling protocols, and difluoromethylation strategies.
• Analytical Reference Standard: High-purity lots support method validation, instrument calibration, and quantitative analysis in fluorine-containing compound workflows.

Researchers are advised to consult primary literature for application-specific protocols and to verify compound suitability for their particular assay conditions.

Handling, Storage, and Safety Guidance

As with all laboratory reagents, appropriate precautions should be observed when handling 2-(Difluoromethoxy)naphthalene:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear nitrile gloves, safety goggles, and a laboratory coat. Work in a well-ventilated area or fume hood.
• Storage: Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry location away from direct light and sources of ignition. Confirm specific temperature requirements from the product SDS.
• Waste Disposal: Dispose of as halogenated organic waste in accordance with local institutional and governmental regulations.
• Incompatibilities: Avoid contact with strong oxidizers, strong bases, and sources of ignition. Fluorinated ethers may release HF under extreme thermal or hydrolytic conditions — confirm from SDS.

Always consult the full Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for N699605 before use. The SDS is available for download from the Aladdin Scientific product page.

Ordering Information and Quality Assurance

2-(Difluoromethoxy)naphthalene is available from Aladdin Scientific under SKU N699605. To place an order or request a quotation, visit the Aladdin Scientific website or contact your regional sales representative.

Quality assurance: Each lot is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) confirming identity, purity, and key physicochemical parameters. Researchers requiring specific purity grades or custom pack sizes are encouraged to contact Aladdin Scientific technical support.

Bulk and custom orders: For quantities beyond standard catalog pack sizes, please inquire via the Aladdin Scientific custom synthesis or bulk inquiry channels.

For questions regarding compatibility, application suitability, or regulatory documentation, the Aladdin Scientific technical and customer service team is available to assist.

Frequently asked questions

What is the molecular formula and molecular weight of 2-(Difluoromethoxy)naphthalene?

The molecular formula of 2-(Difluoromethoxy)naphthalene is C11H8F2O, with a molecular weight of approximately 210.18 g/mol. This reflects the naphthalene bicyclic ring system bearing a –OCHF2 substituent at the 2-position.

How should 2-(Difluoromethoxy)naphthalene be stored to maintain stability?

The compound should be stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry location away from direct light, moisture, and sources of ignition. For lot-specific temperature and humidity requirements, always refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Certificate of Analysis (CoA) provided by Aladdin Scientific for SKU N699605.

What are the typical research applications of 2-(Difluoromethoxy)naphthalene?

This compound is used as a synthetic building block and reference standard in organofluorine chemistry. Key applications include medicinal chemistry (as a –OCHF2 bioisostere scaffold), agrochemical research, synthetic methodology benchmarking, and analytical method validation for fluorinated compound workflows. Researchers should consult primary literature for specific protocols suited to their application.

How can I confirm the purity of the 2-(Difluoromethoxy)naphthalene I receive?

Each lot of N699605 from Aladdin Scientific is supplied with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) that documents identity confirmation, purity by HPLC or GC, and key physicochemical data. If you require additional purity documentation or a specific purity grade, contact Aladdin Scientific technical support before ordering.

Is 2-(Difluoromethoxy)naphthalene available for bulk or custom orders?

Yes. For quantities beyond standard catalog pack sizes, Aladdin Scientific offers bulk and custom ordering options. Please contact the Aladdin Scientific sales team or submit a bulk inquiry through the website to discuss availability, lead times, and pricing for SKU N699605.

References

1. Aladdin Scientific product page for 2-(Difluoromethoxy)naphthalene, SKU N699605. Safety Data Sheet and Certificate of Analysis available on request.
2. Gouverneur, V.; Müller, K. (Eds.) Fluorine in Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry. Imperial College Press, 2012. [General reference on difluoromethoxy bioisosteres — specific pages not confirmed from source material.]
3. Meanwell, N. A. Synopsis of Some Recent Tactical Application of Bioisosteres in Drug Design. J. Med. Chem. 2011, 54, 2529–2591. [General bioisostere reference; applicability to this specific compound needs verification.] doi:10.1021/jm1013693

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.