Chemical Identity and Structure

1-Nitro-4-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]benzene (Aladdin SKU N186692; molecular formula C₁₃H₈F₃NO₂; MW ≈ 267.20 g/mol) belongs to the class of fluorinated nitrobiaryl compounds. Its biphenyl core carries two strongly electron-withdrawing substituents in a para,para′-arrangement: a nitro group (–NO₂) and a trifluoromethyl group (–CF₃). This substitution pattern renders both aromatic rings highly electron-deficient, significantly influencing the compound's reactivity profile and physical properties such as lipophilicity and metabolic stability.

The –CF₃ group is renowned for enhancing lipophilicity, improving membrane permeability, and conferring resistance to oxidative metabolism, making it a highly prized motif in medicinal chemistry. The –NO₂ group is a classic activating group for nucleophilic aromatic substitution (S_NAr) and a reducible handle for amine synthesis.

Research Applications

The dual electron-withdrawing character of 1-Nitro-4-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]benzene makes it useful across several research domains:

• Pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis: The nitro group can be selectively reduced to a primary amine using catalytic hydrogenation or chemical reductants (e.g., iron/acetic acid, SnCl₂), generating 4′-(trifluoromethyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-amine — a scaffold present in numerous drug candidates and agrochemicals.
• Nucleophilic aromatic substitution (S_NAr): The strongly activated aromatic ring bearing the nitro group can participate in S_NAr reactions with amines, alkoxides, and thiolates, enabling rapid diversification of the biphenyl scaffold.
• Materials science: Fluorinated nitroaromatics are employed as electron-accepting components in organic semiconductors, liquid crystals, and charge-transfer complexes due to their low-lying LUMO energies.
• Cross-coupling chemistry: The compound can serve as a model substrate to evaluate catalytic systems for Suzuki-Miyaura, Buchwald-Hartwig, and related transition-metal-catalyzed transformations.

Handling, Storage, and Safety Considerations

As with all nitroaromatic compounds, appropriate laboratory safety precautions should be observed when working with 1-Nitro-4-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]benzene. Researchers should consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) supplied by Aladdin Scientific prior to use. General recommendations include:

• Personal protective equipment (PPE): Wear appropriate gloves, safety goggles, and a laboratory coat. Work in a well-ventilated fume hood.
• Storage: Store in a tightly sealed container under cool, dry conditions, away from strong reducing agents and open flames. Specific storage temperature should be confirmed from the product SDS.
• Waste disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local and institutional regulations for halogenated and nitro-containing organic waste.

Researchers should be aware that aromatic nitro compounds may present irritation hazards and should be handled accordingly. Always refer to the current SDS for authoritative hazard information.

Ordering and Specifications

1-Nitro-4-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]benzene is available from Aladdin Scientific under SKU N186692. When placing an order, researchers and procurement teams should note:

• Purity grade: Confirm the purity specification on the current product page or certificate of analysis (CoA) to ensure suitability for your application.
• Available quantities: Multiple pack sizes may be available; contact Aladdin Scientific for bulk or custom quantity enquiries.
• Documentation: A CoA, SDS, and NMR/HPLC data are typically available upon request for quality-critical applications.
• Lead time and shipping: Consult the Aladdin Scientific website or your regional representative for current stock status and delivery timelines.