4-Acetyl-biphenyl: Properties, Uses & FAQs

4-Acetyl-biphenyl is an aromatic ketone reagent widely employed as a versatile building block in organic synthesis, pharmaceutical research, and materials science.

Chemical Name

4-Acetyl-biphenyl (4-Acetylbiphenyl)

CAS Number

92-91-1

Molecular Formula

C₁₄H₁₂O

Molecular Weight

196.24 g/mol

Appearance

White to off-white crystalline solid

Aladdin SKU

A100980

What Is 4-Acetyl-biphenyl?

4-Acetyl-biphenyl (CAS 92-91-1) is an aromatic ketone consisting of a biphenyl scaffold bearing an acetyl (–COCH₃) substituent at the para position of one phenyl ring. Its molecular formula is C₁₄H₁₂O with a molecular weight of 196.24 g/mol. The compound presents as a white to off-white crystalline solid at room temperature and is characterised by the conjugated π-system extending across both phenyl rings and the carbonyl group, which endows it with useful photophysical and reactivity properties for research applications.

Physical and Chemical Properties

4-Acetyl-biphenyl exhibits a melting point in the range of approximately 119–122 °C and is sparingly soluble in water but readily soluble in common organic solvents such as ethanol, dichloromethane, acetone, and ethyl acetate. The extended aromatic conjugation lowers the carbonyl stretching frequency slightly compared with simple acetophenones, and the compound shows characteristic UV absorption in the near-UV region, making it useful in photochemical studies. It is stable under normal storage conditions when kept in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location away from strong oxidisers and ignition sources.

Note: Exact melting point and solubility values should be verified against the certificate of analysis provided with each lot.

Applications in Research and Synthesis

4-Acetyl-biphenyl serves as a key intermediate and building block across multiple research domains:

• Organic synthesis: The reactive ketone carbonyl undergoes Grignard additions, reductive aminations, Wittig reactions, and aldol-type condensations, enabling rapid elaboration of the biphenyl core into more complex molecular architectures.
• Pharmaceutical research: The biphenyl motif is prevalent in drug candidates targeting a variety of biological receptors. 4-Acetyl-biphenyl provides a functionalised biphenyl unit for medicinal chemistry programmes.
• Materials science: Its extended conjugation and photophysical properties make it a candidate monomer or precursor for liquid-crystal materials, organic semiconductors, and fluorescent probes.
• Photochemistry: As an aryl ketone, it can participate in Norrish-type reactions and act as a UV sensitiser or photoinitiator in appropriate formulations.

Safe Handling, Storage, and Disposal

When working with 4-Acetyl-biphenyl, standard laboratory safety precautions for organic reagents apply:

• Personal protection: Wear appropriate gloves, safety glasses, and a laboratory coat. Use in a well-ventilated area or fume hood to minimise dust or vapour inhalation.
• Storage: Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry location (typically 2–8 °C or room temperature as specified on the product label) and away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidising agents.
• Disposal: Dispose of waste material in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations governing chemical waste. Do not pour down the drain.
• SDS: Always consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) supplied by Aladdin Scientific before use for complete hazard information, first-aid measures, and regulatory data.

Ordering 4-Acetyl-biphenyl from Aladdin Scientific

4-Acetyl-biphenyl is available from Aladdin Scientific under SKU A100980. Researchers and procurement teams can place orders through the Aladdin Scientific website or by contacting the sales team directly. Bulk quantities and custom packaging may be available upon request. A certificate of analysis (CoA) is provided with each lot, detailing purity, melting point, and other quality parameters. For questions about specifications, pricing, or delivery, please contact Aladdin Scientific customer service.

Frequently asked questions

What is the CAS number for 4-Acetyl-biphenyl?

The CAS registry number for 4-Acetyl-biphenyl is 92-91-1. This number uniquely identifies the compound and can be used when searching databases or placing orders.

In which solvents is 4-Acetyl-biphenyl soluble?

4-Acetyl-biphenyl is sparingly soluble in water but dissolves readily in common organic solvents including ethanol, dichloromethane, acetone, and ethyl acetate. Solvent selection should be guided by the specific reaction or analytical method being employed.

How should 4-Acetyl-biphenyl be stored to maintain stability?

Store 4-Acetyl-biphenyl in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location, away from strong oxidising agents and sources of ignition. Refer to the product label and Safety Data Sheet for precise storage temperature recommendations for each specific lot.

What are the main synthetic applications of 4-Acetyl-biphenyl?

4-Acetyl-biphenyl is widely used as a synthetic intermediate. Its ketone carbonyl is reactive toward Grignard reagents, reductive amination, Wittig olefination, and condensation reactions, making it a valuable building block for pharmaceutical intermediates, liquid-crystal monomers, and fluorescent materials.

How can I obtain a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for Aladdin SKU A100980?

A Certificate of Analysis for each lot of 4-Acetyl-biphenyl (SKU A100980) is available through the Aladdin Scientific website by entering the lot number, or by contacting Aladdin Scientific customer service directly. The CoA documents purity, melting point, and other quality control data.

References

1. Aladdin Scientific. Product page: 4-Acetyl-biphenyl, SKU A100980. Retrieved from the Aladdin Scientific catalogue.
2. Royal Society of Chemistry. ChemSpider record for 4-Acetylbiphenyl, CAS 92-91-1. Physical and chemical property data.
3. PubChem. Compound summary for CID 68654 (4-Acetylbiphenyl). National Library of Medicine.

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