What Is 1-Bromo-2-chloro-4,5-difluorobenzene?

1-Bromo-2-chloro-4,5-difluorobenzene (SKU: B700705) is a polyfluorinated, polyhalogenated benzene derivative bearing four different or identical halogen substituents at defined ring positions. Its molecular formula is C₆H₂BrClF₂ with a molecular weight of approximately 227.43 g/mol. The compound belongs to the class of aryl halides and serves as a versatile electrophilic aromatic building block. The presence of electron-withdrawing fluorine atoms at the 4- and 5-positions activates the ring toward nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr), while the C–Br bond provides a preferred site for transition-metal-catalysed cross-coupling reactions such as Suzuki–Miyaura, Negishi, and Buchwald–Hartwig couplings. The C–Cl bond offers an additional handle for orthogonal functionalisation under more forcing conditions or with appropriate catalysts.

Key Chemical Properties and Handling

As a liquid or low-melting solid aromatic halide, 1-Bromo-2-chloro-4,5-difluorobenzene should be stored in a tightly sealed container, away from strong bases and reducing agents, under cool and dry conditions. Standard laboratory personal protective equipment (PPE) — including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and a laboratory coat — should be worn when handling this material. Work should be conducted in a well-ventilated fume hood, as halogenated aromatic compounds may cause irritation upon inhalation or skin contact. Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) supplied with Aladdin product B700705 for full hazard classifications, first-aid measures, and disposal guidance in accordance with local regulations.

The compound is relatively stable under ambient conditions but should be protected from prolonged exposure to moisture and light to prevent slow decomposition. Long-term storage is best maintained at 2–8 °C or as specified on the product label.

Synthetic Applications and Reaction Selectivity

The orthogonal reactivity of the C–Br, C–Cl, and C–F bonds in 1-Bromo-2-chloro-4,5-difluorobenzene makes it an exceptionally useful building block for multi-step synthesis. In general, reactivity toward palladium-catalysed cross-coupling follows the order C–Br > C–Cl >> C–F, allowing selective mono-functionalisation at the bromo position under standard Suzuki or Negishi conditions. Subsequent activation of the C–Cl bond can be achieved with more active catalyst systems or under higher temperatures.

The fluorine atoms at the 4- and 5-positions activate adjacent positions toward SNAr with nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur nucleophiles, particularly when the reaction is assisted by additional electron-withdrawing substituents. This dual reactivity profile is exploited in the synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant heterocycles, fluorinated biaryl scaffolds, and advanced intermediates for agrochemical programmes.

Purity, Quality, and Ordering Information

Aladdin Scientific offers 1-Bromo-2-chloro-4,5-difluorobenzene under SKU B700705. Researchers should confirm the purity grade and specification on the current product page or request a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) prior to use, particularly for sensitive applications such as pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis where impurity profiles can affect downstream reactions. Aladdin's quality control processes include identity verification by NMR or GC-MS and purity assessment by GC. For bulk quantities or custom purity requirements, contact Aladdin's sales team directly.