Product Overview

2-Bromo-4-methylbenzoic acid is an organic compound with the molecular formula C₈H₇BrO₂ and molecular weight of 215.04 g/mol. This white to off-white crystalline solid is a valuable intermediate in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and organic synthesis research. The compound features a bromine atom at the 2-position, a methyl group at the 4-position, and a carboxylic acid group on the aromatic ring.

Synthetic Process

• Bromination: 4-Methylbenzoic acid is brominated at the 2-position using elemental bromine or NBS in the presence of a catalyst

• Oxidation: Alternatively, 2-bromo-4-methylbenzaldehyde is oxidized to the acid

• Purification: The crude product is purified by recrystallization from suitable solvents

• Drying: The purified product is dried under vacuum

Mechanism of Action

• Carboxylic Acid Reactivity: The acid group can be converted to esters, amides, and acid chlorides

• Cross-Coupling Substrate: The aryl bromide enables Suzuki-Miyaura and other coupling reactions

• Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution: The methyl group directs electrophilic substitution to specific positions

Research Applications & Market Significance

• Pharmaceutical Research: Building block for drug discovery programs

• Agrochemical Synthesis: Intermediate for herbicides and fungicides

• Organic Synthesis: Versatile intermediate for functionalized benzoic acid derivatives

• Material Science: Used in the preparation of specialty polymers

Quality Specifications

• Purity: ≥98.0% determined by HPLC

• Melting point: 144-147°C

• Loss on drying: ≤0.5%

• Residue on ignition: ≤0.1%

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

• Stable for 24 months when properly stored

Packaging & Shipping

• Research quantities: 25g, 100g amber glass bottles

• Bulk quantities: 500g, 1kg amber glass bottles

• Shipped at ambient temperature