1,5-Difluoro-3-methyl-2-nitrobenzene: Properties & Lab Use

1,5-Difluoro-3-methyl-2-nitrobenzene is a fluorinated nitroaromatic building block widely used as a reactive intermediate in pharmaceutical synthesis, agrochemical research, and materials science applications.

Product Name

1,5-Difluoro-3-methyl-2-nitrobenzene

SKU

D191275

Molecular Formula

C7H5F2NO2

CAS Number

53540-44-6

Molecular Weight

173.12 g/mol

Functional Groups

Two aryl fluorides, one nitro group, one methyl group

Primary Application

SNAr reactions, pharmaceutical and agrochemical intermediate synthesis

Chemical Identity and Structure

1,5-Difluoro-3-methyl-2-nitrobenzene (SKU D191275) is an aromatic compound featuring a toluene backbone substituted with two fluorine atoms at the 1- and 5-positions, a nitro group at the 2-position, and a methyl group at the 3-position. Its molecular formula is C7H5F2NO2 with a molecular weight of approximately 173.12 g/mol. The combination of electron-withdrawing fluorine and nitro substituents on the ring imparts significant electrophilic character to specific ring positions, making this compound an important precursor in synthetic chemistry. The ortho relationship between the nitro group and one of the fluorine atoms is particularly significant, as it activates that fluorine toward nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr).

Synthetic Applications and Reactivity

The principal utility of 1,5-Difluoro-3-methyl-2-nitrobenzene lies in its reactivity as an SNAr electrophile. The fluorine atom positioned ortho to the nitro group is strongly activated toward displacement by nucleophiles such as amines, thiols, and alkoxides under mild to moderate conditions. This property makes the compound a versatile building block for constructing diaryl ethers, diaryl thioethers, and aryl amines — structural motifs common in bioactive molecules and functional materials. Additionally, the nitro group can be selectively reduced to an aniline, opening further pathways for amide bond formation, cyclization, or diazotization. Researchers in medicinal chemistry and agrochemical development frequently employ such polyfunctionalized fluoroaromatics to introduce fluorine into target scaffolds, leveraging fluorine's ability to modulate lipophilicity, metabolic stability, and binding affinity.

Handling, Storage, and Safety

As with most nitroaromatic and polyhalogenated aromatic compounds, 1,5-Difluoro-3-methyl-2-nitrobenzene should be handled with appropriate laboratory precautions. Standard personal protective equipment — including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and a lab coat — should be worn at all times. Work should be conducted in a well-ventilated fume hood to prevent inhalation of vapors or dust. The compound should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from strong reducing agents, bases, and heat sources. Container should be kept tightly sealed when not in use. Researchers should consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by Aladdin Scientific for precise hazard classification, first-aid measures, and disposal requirements before working with this material.

Note: Specific GHS hazard codes and precise physical property data (melting point, boiling point, density) should be verified against the current SDS and product specification sheet for SKU D191275.

Frequently Asked Questions Overview

Research scientists and procurement teams frequently ask about the purity grade, available quantities, solubility, and recommended reaction conditions for 1,5-Difluoro-3-methyl-2-nitrobenzene. Aladdin Scientific offers this compound under SKU D191275 with purity specifications detailed on the product page. For solubility, this lipophilic aromatic compound is expected to dissolve readily in common organic solvents such as dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylformamide, and acetonitrile, while exhibiting limited solubility in water — consistent with the general behavior of fluorinated nitrotoluene derivatives. Customers requiring certificate of analysis (CoA), SDS, or NMR spectral data should contact Aladdin Scientific customer support or download documentation directly from the product page.

Frequently asked questions

What is 1,5-Difluoro-3-methyl-2-nitrobenzene used for in organic synthesis?

1,5-Difluoro-3-methyl-2-nitrobenzene is primarily used as an electrophilic building block in nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) reactions. The fluorine atom ortho to the nitro group is activated toward displacement by amines, thiols, and alkoxides, enabling the rapid assembly of complex aryl ether, aryl thioether, and arylamine scaffolds relevant to pharmaceutical and agrochemical research.

In which solvents does 1,5-Difluoro-3-methyl-2-nitrobenzene dissolve best?

Based on its lipophilic fluorinated nitroaromatic structure, 1,5-Difluoro-3-methyl-2-nitrobenzene is expected to dissolve well in polar aprotic solvents such as DMF, DMSO, acetonitrile, and THF, as well as in chlorinated solvents like dichloromethane. Its solubility in water is expected to be low. Researchers should confirm solubility experimentally for their specific application conditions.

How should 1,5-Difluoro-3-methyl-2-nitrobenzene be stored to maintain stability?

The compound should be stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from strong reducing agents, bases, and ignition sources. Following Aladdin Scientific's SDS recommendations and keeping the material under inert atmosphere if long-term storage is required will help preserve product integrity. Always check the current SDS for SKU D191275 for the most accurate storage guidance.

What purity grade and pack sizes are available for SKU D191275?

Specific purity grades and available pack sizes for 1,5-Difluoro-3-methyl-2-nitrobenzene (SKU D191275) are listed on the Aladdin Scientific product page. For the most current inventory, pricing, and certificate of analysis, please visit the product listing or contact Aladdin Scientific customer service directly.

Can the nitro group in 1,5-Difluoro-3-methyl-2-nitrobenzene be selectively reduced?

Yes, the nitro group in nitroaromatic compounds like 1,5-Difluoro-3-methyl-2-nitrobenzene can generally be selectively reduced to an aniline using standard methods such as catalytic hydrogenation (H2/Pd-C), iron or zinc in acidic media, or transfer hydrogenation conditions. Care must be taken to preserve the aryl fluoride bonds during reduction. The resulting diaminofluorotoluene intermediate offers additional handles for further functionalization.

References

1. Aladdin Scientific. Product page: 1,5-Difluoro-3-methyl-2-nitrobenzene, SKU D191275. Aladdin Scientific official website.
2. March, J. Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Structure. Wiley-Interscience. Chapter on Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution.
3. Chambers, R. D. Fluorine in Organic Chemistry. Blackwell Publishing. Sections on SNAr reactivity of fluorinated aromatics.

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