2,3-Benzofuran: Properties, Safety & Lab Use Guide

2,3-Benzofuran is a bicyclic aromatic heterocycle consisting of a benzene ring fused to a furan ring, widely used in organic synthesis and pharmaceutical research as a versatile building block for constructing bioactive molecules.

Chemical Name

2,3-Benzofuran (Benzofuran)

Molecular Formula

C₈H₆O

Molecular Weight

118.13 g/mol

CAS Number

271-89-6

Appearance

Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic aromatic odor

Aladdin SKU

B660535

Storage Condition

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat and ignition sources

Chemical Structure and Properties

2,3-Benzofuran, commonly referred to simply as benzofuran, is a fused bicyclic compound in which a benzene ring is ortho-fused with a furan ring. The IUPAC-preferred name is 1-benzofuran, with the oxygen atom located at position 1 of the heterocyclic ring. The compound possesses an aromatic, planar structure that confers notable stability and permits electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions predominantly at the C-2 and C-3 positions of the furan ring.

Key physicochemical characteristics include a molecular formula of C₈H₆O, a molecular weight of approximately 118.13 g/mol, and a CAS registry number of 271-89-6. Benzofuran is a liquid at room temperature with a boiling point in the range of 173–175 °C and limited water solubility, but good miscibility with common organic solvents such as ethanol, diethyl ether, and acetone. Its log P value indicates moderate lipophilicity, which underlies the pharmacokinetic relevance of benzofuran-derived drug candidates.

Research and Synthetic Applications

The benzofuran scaffold is one of the most significant heterocyclic frameworks in medicinal chemistry and materials science. In pharmaceutical research, 2,3-benzofuran serves as a privileged building block for the synthesis of a broad range of bioactive compounds including antifungal agents, anti-inflammatory drugs, antiarrhythmic compounds (most notably amiodarone), and potential anticancer agents. The furan ring's reactivity at C-2 and C-3 positions allows straightforward functionalization through halogenation, acylation, and cross-coupling reactions (e.g., Suzuki, Heck, and Sonogashira couplings).

Beyond medicinal chemistry, benzofuran derivatives find application in the development of organic electronics, fluorescent dyes, and liquid crystal materials, leveraging the compound's conjugated aromatic system. In total synthesis, 2,3-benzofuran is a common starting material or intermediate for the construction of more complex natural products and heterocyclic libraries. Aladdin Scientific offers B660535 as a 1 mL library-format reagent optimized for small-scale screening and synthetic exploration.

Safe Handling and Storage Guidelines

2,3-Benzofuran is a flammable liquid and should be handled with appropriate caution. All work with this compound must be conducted in a well-ventilated fume hood. Personnel should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and a laboratory coat. Avoid inhalation of vapors or contact with skin and eyes, as benzofuran may cause irritation. In case of skin or eye contact, flush immediately with copious amounts of water and seek medical attention as appropriate.

Store the reagent in a tightly sealed container in a cool (below 25 °C), dry, and well-ventilated storage area, away from sources of heat, sparks, and open flames. Keep away from incompatible materials including strong oxidizers and strong acids. The product should be stored under an inert atmosphere (e.g., nitrogen or argon) after opening to prevent oxidation and moisture uptake, which can degrade purity over time. Always consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by Aladdin Scientific before first use.

Quality, Purity, and Ordering Information

Aladdin Scientific supplies 2,3-Benzofuran under SKU B660535 as part of its molecular library collection in a convenient 1 mL format, suitable for hit-finding and diversity-oriented synthesis workflows. The product is referenced against Aladdin catalog entry B107470 to ensure consistent quality benchmarking. Researchers should verify the certificate of analysis (CoA) for lot-specific purity data, typically assessed by GC or HPLC methods.

When ordering, lab managers and procurement teams should confirm the required purity grade matches their application: higher purity grades are recommended for biological assay work, while synthesis-grade material may suffice for preparative chemistry. Aladdin Scientific's quality control processes are designed to deliver reagents meeting documented specifications. For bulk quantities or custom packaging inquiries, please contact Aladdin Scientific customer service directly.

Frequently asked questions

What is 2,3-Benzofuran used for in research?

2,3-Benzofuran is primarily used as a versatile heterocyclic building block in medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, and materials science. It serves as a precursor for synthesizing biologically active compounds including anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiarrhythmic, and potential anticancer agents, as well as fluorescent dyes and organic electronic materials.

How should 2,3-Benzofuran be stored to maintain its purity?

2,3-Benzofuran should be stored in a tightly sealed container at temperatures below 25 °C in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from heat sources, flames, and strong oxidizers. After opening, it is recommended to store the reagent under an inert atmosphere such as nitrogen or argon to prevent oxidation and moisture-induced degradation.

What personal protective equipment is required when handling 2,3-Benzofuran?

When handling 2,3-Benzofuran, researchers should wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and a laboratory coat. All manipulations should be performed inside a well-ventilated fume hood to minimize inhalation exposure to vapors. Consult the Aladdin Scientific SDS for complete hazard and first-aid information before use.

What is the difference between Aladdin SKU B660535 and B107470?

SKU B660535 is a 1 mL molecular library format of 2,3-Benzofuran designed for small-scale screening and exploratory synthesis, while B107470 is the reference catalog product used as the quality benchmark. Researchers requiring larger quantities or different packaging should consult Aladdin Scientific's catalog or contact customer service.

Is 2,3-Benzofuran soluble in common laboratory solvents?

Yes, 2,3-Benzofuran has limited solubility in water but is readily miscible with most common organic solvents including ethanol, diethyl ether, acetone, dichloromethane, and toluene. This broad organic solvent compatibility makes it convenient for use in a variety of synthetic protocols.

References

1. Joule, J. A.; Mills, K. Heterocyclic Chemistry, 5th ed.; Wiley-Blackwell: Oxford, 2010.
2. Prajapati, N. P.; Vekariya, R. H.; Borad, M. A.; Patel, H. D. Recent advances in the synthesis of 2-substituted benzofurans: a review. RSC Advances, 2014.
3. Aladdin Scientific Product Page: 2,3-Benzofuran, SKU B660535. Aladdin Scientific Corp.

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