3-Chloro-4-Hydroxybenzonitrile: Properties, Uses & FAQs

3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile is a halogenated phenolic nitrile compound widely used as a versatile intermediate in organic synthesis, pharmaceutical research, and agrochemical development.

Chemical Name

3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile

CAS Number

3336-16-1

Molecular Formula

C7H4ClNO

Molecular Weight

153.57 g/mol

Appearance

White to off-white crystalline powder

Recommended Storage

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and light, in a tightly sealed container

Aladdin SKU

C135594

What Is 3-Chloro-4-Hydroxybenzonitrile?

3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile (CAS 3336-16-1) is an aromatic compound featuring three key functional groups on a benzene ring: a hydroxyl group (–OH) at the 4-position, a chloro substituent (–Cl) at the 3-position, and a nitrile group (–CN) at the 1-position. This combination of electron-withdrawing (–CN, –Cl) and electron-donating (–OH) substituents gives the molecule distinctive reactivity that makes it a valuable building block in synthetic chemistry.

The compound belongs to the broader class of halogenated hydroxybenzonitriles, which are well-established scaffolds in the design of pharmaceuticals, herbicides, and specialty materials. The phenolic hydroxyl group can participate in O-alkylation, esterification, or coupling reactions, while the nitrile group is amenable to hydrolysis, reduction, or cycloaddition chemistry.

Purity, Grade, and Specifications

Aladdin Scientific offers 3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile (SKU: C135594) as a research-grade reagent. Research-grade materials are suitable for laboratory-scale organic synthesis, method development, and analytical reference applications. Researchers should consult the product's Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the precise purity specification of each lot, as purity data are lot-specific and determined by validated analytical methods such as HPLC or GC.

When evaluating reagent suitability, consider the following: (1) purity level required by your downstream application, (2) presence and identity of any specified impurities, and (3) physical form (particle size, moisture content) if relevant to your process. Contact Aladdin's technical support team for custom purity or quantity requirements.

Handling, Safety, and Storage Guidelines

As with all laboratory chemicals, 3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile should be handled following standard laboratory safety practices. Researchers should consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) supplied with the product before use. General precautions include:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear appropriate gloves (nitrile recommended), safety glasses, and a lab coat when handling the compound.
• Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area or fume hood to minimise inhalation of dust or vapours.
• Storage: Store in a tightly sealed container at room temperature, away from direct light, moisture, and incompatible materials such as strong oxidisers or strong bases.
• Disposal: Dispose of waste in accordance with local environmental regulations governing halogenated organic compounds.

Always refer to the current SDS for authoritative hazard classification, first-aid measures, and regulatory information specific to your jurisdiction.

Research and Synthetic Applications

3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile serves as a multifunctional intermediate in several research contexts:

• Pharmaceutical Synthesis: The hydroxybenzonitrile scaffold is found in biologically active molecules. The phenolic –OH and the nitrile group both offer handles for further elaboration toward drug candidates, including kinase inhibitors and receptor ligands.
• Agrochemical Development: Halogenated hydroxybenzonitriles are structural motifs in certain classes of herbicides and fungicides, making this compound a relevant reference standard or precursor in agrochemical research.
• Materials Science: The nitrile group can be utilised in the synthesis of functional polymers, liquid crystals, or coordination compounds where the CN group acts as a ligand.
• Cross-Coupling Chemistry: The aryl chloride moiety can participate in palladium-catalysed cross-coupling reactions (e.g., Suzuki, Buchwald–Hartwig) to extend molecular complexity.

Researchers are encouraged to review primary literature for specific protocols and reaction conditions relevant to their application.

Ordering, Shipping, and Returns

Ordering: 3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile (SKU: C135594) can be ordered directly through the Aladdin Scientific website. Bulk quantities or custom pack sizes may be available upon request; contact our sales team for a quotation.

Shipping: The compound is shipped as a solid at ambient temperature under standard conditions. Packaging is designed to protect the material from moisture and physical damage during transit. Shipping timelines vary by region and chosen courier service; consult the Aladdin website or your account manager for estimated delivery times.

Returns and Refunds: If you receive a product that does not meet the stated specification, please contact Aladdin customer service within the applicable return window with your order number and CoA discrepancy details. Returns of opened chemical reagents may be subject to restrictions in accordance with safety regulations. Please review Aladdin's full Returns and Refunds policy on the website before initiating a return.

Frequently asked questions

What is the CAS number for 3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile?

The CAS registry number for 3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile is 3336-16-1. This number can be used to confirm identity when cross-referencing with other suppliers or databases such as PubChem or SciFinder.

How should 3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile be stored to maintain stability?

Store 3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile in a tightly sealed container at room temperature, protected from moisture, light, and heat. Keep away from strong oxidising agents and strong bases. Always reseal the container promptly after use to prevent moisture uptake.

What is the molecular weight of 3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile?

The molecular weight of 3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile (C7H4ClNO) is 153.57 g/mol. This value is required for accurate preparation of molar solutions and stoichiometric calculations in synthetic protocols.

What are the main synthetic applications of 3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile?

3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile is primarily used as a versatile intermediate in pharmaceutical and agrochemical synthesis. Its aryl chloride group enables palladium-catalysed cross-coupling reactions, while the phenolic hydroxyl and nitrile groups provide additional sites for functional group transformation, making it valuable for building diverse molecular scaffolds.

How do I obtain the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for C135594?

The SDS and CoA for 3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile (C135594) are available for download on the Aladdin Scientific product page. You can search by SKU or CAS number on the Aladdin website. For lot-specific CoAs, enter your lot number in the CoA search tool or contact Aladdin customer service directly.

Is 3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile available in bulk quantities?

Aladdin Scientific may be able to supply 3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile in quantities beyond standard catalogue pack sizes. Contact the Aladdin sales team with your quantity requirements and timeline for a custom quotation and availability confirmation.

References

1. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 75956, 3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile. National Library of Medicine.
2. Sigma-Aldrich / Merck product entry for 3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile, CAS 3336-16-1. Merck KGaA.
3. March, J. Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Structure, 4th ed.; Wiley-Interscience: New York, 1992. (General reference for nitrile and aryl halide reactivity.)

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