Product Overview

Methyl 3,5-difluorobenzoate is an organic compound with the molecular formula C₈H₆F₂O₂ and molecular weight of 172.13 g/mol. This colorless to light yellow liquid is a valuable fluorinated building block in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and material science research. The compound features two fluorine atoms at the 3- and 5-positions of the benzoate ring, providing unique electronic properties.

Synthetic Process

Methyl 3,5-difluorobenzoate is synthesized through various routes:

• Esterification: 3,5-Difluorobenzoic acid is esterified with methanol in the presence of an acid catalyst such as concentrated sulfuric acid or p-toluenesulfonic acid

• Fluorination: Alternatively, appropriate benzoate precursors can be fluorinated using electrophilic fluorinating agents

• Purification: The crude product is purified by fractional distillation under reduced pressure

• Quality Control: The final product is analyzed to ensure ≥98.0% purity by GC

Mechanism of Action

• Electronic Effects: The two fluorine atoms withdraw electron density from the aromatic ring, influencing reactivity in cross-coupling and nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions

• Metabolic Stability: Fluorine substitution often enhances metabolic stability in drug molecules

• Cross-Coupling Substrate: The aryl fluoride can participate in certain cross-coupling reactions, though bromides and iodides are typically more reactive

• Hydrolysis: The methyl ester can be hydrolyzed to the corresponding carboxylic acid under basic or acidic conditions

Research Applications & Market Significance

• Pharmaceutical Research: Building block for drug discovery programs targeting various therapeutic areas

• Agrochemical Synthesis: Intermediate for the preparation of herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides

• Material Science: Used in the synthesis of functional materials with specific electronic properties

• Organic Synthesis: Versatile intermediate for the preparation of substituted fluorinated aromatic compounds

• Catalysis Research: Substrate for developing and testing new catalytic methods

Quality Specifications

• Purity: ≥98.0% determined by GC

• Boiling point: 72-74°C (10 mmHg)

• Density: 1.308 g/mL at 25°C

• Refractive index: n²⁰/D 1.470-1.474

• Water content: ≤0.3%

• Storage: 2-8°C, sealed, protected from light

• Stable for 24 months when properly stored

Packaging & Shipping

• Research quantities: 5g, 25g amber glass bottles

• Bulk quantities: 100g, 500g amber glass bottles

• Shipped at ambient temperature

• International shipping available with proper documentation