What Is 1H-Benzotriazole?

1H-Benzotriazole (BTA; CAS 95-14-7) is a bicyclic aromatic heterocycle consisting of a benzene ring fused to a 1,2,3-triazole ring. The compound exists primarily as the 1H-tautomer under standard conditions. Its planar, electron-rich structure confers an ability to coordinate metals, form hydrogen bonds, and participate in a wide range of organic transformations. BTA is commercially available as a white crystalline solid and is used across disciplines including coordination chemistry, materials science, electrochemistry, and pharmaceutical synthesis.

Key Laboratory Applications

Corrosion Inhibition: BTA is one of the most studied corrosion inhibitors for copper and copper alloys. It forms a stable, protective coordination polymer film on metal surfaces, making it valuable in electrochemical studies and materials research.

Synthetic Auxiliary (Katritzky Methodology): The Katritzky group extensively developed benzotriazole as a synthetic auxiliary. The N-1 nitrogen of BTA can be alkylated, acylated, or otherwise functionalized to create reactive intermediates for C–C, C–N, and C–O bond formation.

Peptide and Amide Bond Formation: BTA derivatives such as HOBt (1-hydroxybenzotriazole) are classical activating agents in peptide coupling. Although HOBt is a distinct compound, BTA itself serves as a precursor and reference standard in such workflows.

Ligand in Coordination Chemistry: BTA acts as a bridging or chelating ligand for transition metals, enabling the construction of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and coordination polymers studied for catalysis and gas storage.

Physical and Chemical Properties

1H-Benzotriazole is a weakly acidic compound (literature pKa ~8.2 in water; flag for verification) owing to the N–H proton, which can dissociate to form the benzotriazolate anion. Key physicochemical data are summarized below:

• Solubility: Soluble in polar organic solvents (ethanol, methanol, acetone, DMSO, DMF); sparingly soluble in water at room temperature; solubility in water increases with pH above 8.
• Stability: Stable under normal storage conditions; hygroscopic; protect from moisture and light.
• UV Absorption: Exhibits characteristic absorption in the UV region; useful for spectrophotometric quantification (exact λmax should be verified against primary literature).
• Tautomerism: Exists as 1H and 2H tautomers; the 1H form predominates in the solid state.

Safe Handling, Storage, and Regulatory Considerations

Hazard Classification: 1H-Benzotriazole is classified as harmful if swallowed and is an aquatic environmental hazard under GHS. Consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) supplied with Aladdin product B101002 for up-to-date GHS pictograms, hazard statements, and precautionary statements before use.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear appropriate chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses or goggles, and a lab coat. Work in a well-ventilated area or fume hood, particularly when handling powdered material to avoid dust inhalation.

Storage: Store in a tightly sealed container at room temperature (or as specified on the product label), away from moisture, direct light, and incompatible oxidizing agents. Check the CoA for specific storage temperature recommendations.

Environmental Note: BTA is a recognized water contaminant detected in wastewater effluents; dispose of waste strictly according to local regulations and do not discharge to drain.

Ordering, Purity, and Specifications

Aladdin Scientific supplies 1H-Benzotriazole under SKU B101002. When placing an order or evaluating suitability, consider the following:

• Purity Grade: Check the current Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot-specific purity value. Typical reagent-grade BTA is available at ≥98% purity (verify on CoA).
• Available Pack Sizes: Contact Aladdin Scientific or visit the product page for current pack size options and pricing.
• Quality Documentation: Each lot ships with a CoA detailing purity, melting point, and other quality parameters. SDS is available on request and on the product page.
• Custom Quantities: For bulk or custom requirements, contact Aladdin's sales team directly.