What Is 2-Chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenylacetic Acid?

2-Chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenylacetic acid is an aromatic acetic acid derivative bearing both a chloro substituent at the 2-position and a trifluoromethyl (–CF3) group at the 5-position of the phenyl ring. The combination of these electron-withdrawing groups imparts distinctive electronic properties to the aromatic ring, influencing the compound's reactivity in nucleophilic and electrophilic transformations. The carboxylic acid moiety provides a versatile handle for further chemical elaboration, including amide bond formation, esterification, and decarboxylative reactions. These features make it a valuable building block in medicinal chemistry and agrochemical research programs.

Chemical Properties and Structural Considerations

The trifluoromethyl group is a strongly electron-withdrawing substituent that significantly lowers the electron density of the aromatic ring, thereby modulating the pKa of the acetic acid side chain and affecting the compound's lipophilicity (logP). In medicinal chemistry, –CF3 groups are frequently introduced to improve metabolic stability, membrane permeability, and binding affinity of drug candidates. The ortho-chloro substituent adds steric bulk near the acetic acid group and can direct further electrophilic aromatic substitution. Together, these substituents make 2-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenylacetic acid a synthetically useful and electronically tunable scaffold.

Note: Specific physicochemical values (exact pKa, logP, melting point) should be verified against the product certificate of analysis or peer-reviewed literature before use in regulatory submissions.

Safe Handling, Storage, and Disposal

As with all laboratory reagents containing halogenated aromatic and fluorinated functional groups, appropriate precautions must be taken when handling 2-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenylacetic acid. Always consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by Aladdin Scientific before use. General guidelines include:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and a lab coat. Use a fume hood to avoid inhalation of dust or vapors.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from incompatible materials such as strong bases and oxidizers. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.
• Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations for halogenated organic waste. Do not pour down the drain.

Specific hazard classifications and first-aid measures are detailed in the SDS. Contact Aladdin Scientific customer service if you require an updated SDS.

Typical Applications in Research

2-Chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenylacetic acid serves primarily as a synthetic intermediate in the construction of more complex molecules. Key application areas include:

• Medicinal Chemistry: Used as a building block to introduce the pharmacophoric 2-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl motif into drug candidate libraries via coupling reactions, cyclizations, or functional group interconversions.
• Agrochemical Synthesis: Fluorinated arylacetic acid scaffolds appear in herbicide and pesticide development due to their favorable biological activity profiles and environmental persistence characteristics.
• Material Science: Fluorinated aromatic acids can be incorporated into polymer backbones or surface-modifying agents requiring hydrophobic or thermally stable functionalities.

Researchers should validate reaction conditions and yields under their specific laboratory conditions, as results may vary with scale, solvent, and catalyst choice.

Ordering and Product Information from Aladdin Scientific

2-Chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenylacetic acid is available from Aladdin Scientific under SKU C135707. When placing an order, consider the following:

• Quantity and Pack Size: Contact Aladdin Scientific or visit the product page to confirm available pack sizes and pricing, as these may vary by region and availability.
• Purity and Grade: Check the product specification sheet for purity grade (e.g., ≥97%) and analytical data including NMR, HPLC, or GC confirmation. Verify that the grade is appropriate for your intended application.
• Documentation: Certificates of Analysis (CoA) and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available upon request or via the Aladdin Scientific website.
• Lead Times: Availability and delivery timelines should be confirmed at the time of ordering, as stock levels may fluctuate.

For bulk quantities, custom synthesis inquiries, or technical support, contact Aladdin Scientific customer service directly.