5-Bromo-2-fluoro-4-methylaniline stands out as a versatile chemical employed in organic synthesis and pharmaceutical research. Its structure, C7H7BrFN, reveals a benzene ring carrying a bromine atom at the fifth position, a fluorine atom at the second position, and a methyl group at the fourth position, along with an amino group connected to the ring. In my own experience working in a chemical lab, similar aromatic amines serve as key building blocks for advanced intermediates and specialty chemicals. Direct handling demands attention since aromatic bromine and fluorine substitutions usually tune the reactivity, making targeted syntheses both practical and precise. The unique combination of halogens with a methyl group offers pathways not found in unsubstituted anilines.
5-Bromo-2-fluoro-4-methylaniline commonly appears as a solid, typically forming off-white to pale-yellow flakes or a crystalline powder. Its density tends to range close to 1.6 g/cm³, depending on purity and storage conditions. The purity level usually exceeds 97%, which influences its suitability for pharmaceutical or fine chemical synthesis. Melting points clock in between 40 and 50°C, though I’ve seen slight variations depending on sample age or storage. This compound resists dissolution in water but dissolves readily in organic solvents such as dichloromethane, chloroform, or ethyl acetate. These features come into play when I need to separate it from reaction mixtures or purify it using recrystallization. Volatility remains low at ambient temperature, supporting safe handling during weighing, transfer, or storage. Its average molar mass sits at about 220.05 g/mol, and its HS Code, often used for customs and trade, falls in the realm of 2921.42, under aromatic amines and derivatives. In bulk shipments, the form may shift between powder, granules, or pearl-like solid, but the properties hold steady throughout.
The chemical backbone of 5-Bromo-2-fluoro-4-methylaniline stems from its substituted aniline core. The presence of bromine and fluorine atoms sets up electron withdrawing and donating effects, altering the usual chemistry of the aniline ring. From my work synthesizing advanced intermediates, I’ve found this particular arrangement makes it suitable for cross-coupling reactions, such as Suzuki or Buchwald-Hartwig coupling, allowing incorporation into larger, more complex molecules. Chemists exploit the specific substitutions to regulate reaction rates and achieve selectivity that simpler anilines cannot deliver. The methyl group at the fourth position tweaks solubility and reactivity, offering custom behavior for process chemists searching for new routes in drug discovery or materials research.
On the bench, I’ve handled 5-bromo-2-fluoro-4-methylaniline as a dry powder, tightly sealed to shield it from moisture and direct sunlight; even short air exposure can cause slight clumping or discoloration. In some facilities, it comes in glass bottles or sealed drums, sometimes under inert gas for larger orders. The material retains its solid form under most conditions, melting only with focused heating equipment. Solutions made in organic solvents present as clear or faintly tinted liquids, which I’ve used in batch and flow reactors. The ease of measuring and dissolving the solid makes preparation straightforward for both research and industrial-scale protocols.
Safety matters whenever aromatic amines come into play. 5-Bromo-2-fluoro-4-methylaniline carries risks typical of substituted anilines; skin exposure may bring irritation, and inhalation presents hazard to respiratory health. I wear nitrile gloves and work inside a ventilated fume hood to minimize direct contact. Reports underline the importance of storing it in a well-ventilated area, away from acids and oxidizers. Detailed safety data sheets (SDS) specify it as a potentially harmful or hazardous substance, so labeling and documentation must stay current for every batch. The risk of environmental release calls for spill protocols: containment, neutralization, and disposal through licensed hazardous waste suppliers. International transport usually demands correct HS code annotation and compliance with local chemical regulations. Colleagues in regulatory affairs stress that licensed handlers and trained personnel reduce risk during shipping and storage.
Industries use 5-bromo-2-fluoro-4-methylaniline largely as a raw material building block for synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, dyes, and specialty polymers. Medicinal chemists design new drug candidates by incorporating this intermediate into complex molecules, exploiting the electron-deficient nature of the ring and the reactivity of the amino group. In my experience, research labs turn to this compound for test reactions when exploring activity relationships in new chemical entities. Its role as a functionalized aniline lets chemists tune pharmacological profiles, solubility, or bioavailability without full redesign of a lead molecule. The balance between bromine and fluorine substitution provides a toolbox for modulating reaction rates and final product behavior.
Challenges in working with 5-bromo-2-fluoro-4-methylaniline stem from both its handling and its limited water solubility. Clumping of the powder, sensitivity to moisture, and inhalation hazards demand strict lab routines, including regular inspections of personal protective equipment and dedicated ventilation systems. Spilled powder raises exposure risk; available solutions include absorbent containment and chemical neutralization agents designed for aromatic amines. In manufacturing contexts, scaling reactions can introduce fire or contamination hazards, so automation and computerized monitoring allow for safe, controlled batch runs. Waste disposal stays in focus, since improper handling risks both health and environmental safety; using closed systems and professional waste contractors helps to reduce incidents. Current research digs into greener synthesis routes and improved packaging, aiming for both worker safety and less chemical waste.
From years in research labs and production facilities, I’ve found that knowing every aspect of a reagent like 5-bromo-2-fluoro-4-methylaniline changes the outcome of both small-batch synthesis and industrial runs. Whether setting up a chemical reaction, developing a new product, or ensuring workplace safety, every property—from melting point, density, and structure to regulatory status—counts toward reliability and sustainability. Keeping current with safety guidance, troubleshooting storage or purity problems, and staying within regulatory frameworks saves time, protects colleagues, and ensures consistent supply to downstream users. As chemical markets evolve, detailed material knowledge supports smarter innovation and responsible stewardship from the bench to the marketplace.
