What Is 3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenylacetic Acid?

3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenylacetic acid (CAS not confirmed in source material; see review flags) is an arylacetic acid derivative bearing a difluoromethoxy substituent at the meta position of the phenyl ring. Its molecular formula is C₉H₈F₂O₃ with a molecular weight of approximately 206.15 g/mol.

The compound combines two synthetically valuable motifs: the phenylacetic acid scaffold, which is a common pharmacophore in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and enzyme inhibitors, and the –OCHF₂ group, which is a bioisostere of hydroxyl and methoxy groups frequently employed in modern medicinal chemistry to modulate lipophilicity, metabolic stability, and membrane permeability.

Aladdin Scientific supplies this compound under SKU P700767, intended for research and development use in academic and industrial laboratories.

Physicochemical Properties and Purity Specifications

As a phenylacetic acid derivative, 3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenylacetic acid is expected to appear as a white to off-white crystalline solid at room temperature. The carboxylic acid functional group confers moderate aqueous solubility, which can be enhanced by adjusting pH above the compound's pKa (typically ~4–5 for arylacetic acids) or by using polar organic co-solvents such as DMSO, DMF, or ethanol.

The –OCHF₂ group increases the compound's lipophilicity relative to unsubstituted phenylacetic acid and also renders it more metabolically stable compared to analogous –OCH₃ derivatives, making it an attractive motif for drug-candidate design.

Purity specifications for Aladdin Scientific's P700767 are not explicitly stated in the available source material. Researchers requiring a specific purity grade (e.g., ≥95%, ≥98%) should consult the current product datasheet or contact Aladdin Scientific's technical support for the certificate of analysis (CoA).

Storage, Handling, and Safety Guidelines

Storage: In the absence of specific manufacturer data in the source material, standard practice for arylacetic acid derivatives is to store at room temperature (15–25 °C) in a tightly sealed container, protected from light and moisture. If long-term stability is a concern, storage at 2–8 °C under inert atmosphere (argon or nitrogen) is advisable. Always refer to the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by Aladdin Scientific for confirmed storage conditions.

Handling: Researchers should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including nitrile gloves, lab coat, and safety glasses when handling this compound. Operations generating dust or aerosols should be carried out in a well-ventilated fume hood.

Disposal: Dispose of waste material in accordance with local, national, and institutional regulations for fluorinated organic compounds. Do not dispose of down the drain without checking applicable regulations.

Note: Specific GHS hazard classifications and first-aid measures should be verified in the official Aladdin Scientific SDS for P700767.

Research and Synthetic Applications

3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenylacetic acid serves as a versatile building block in several areas of chemical research:

• Medicinal Chemistry: The compound is employed as a starting material or intermediate in the synthesis of drug candidates where the difluoromethoxy group is used to fine-tune pharmacokinetic parameters, including bioavailability and plasma half-life.
• Fragment-Based Drug Discovery (FBDD): Its relatively low molecular weight and dual-functionality (both as an acid and as a difluoromethoxy arene) make it amenable to fragment screening and subsequent elaboration.
• Peptide and Amide Coupling: The carboxylic acid moiety can be activated and coupled to amines using standard reagents (e.g., EDC/HOBt, HATU) to introduce the difluoromethoxyphenyl pharmacophore into peptidomimetics or small-molecule libraries.
• Bioisosteric Replacement Studies: Researchers use this compound to replace –OH or –OCH₃ groups with –OCHF₂ to investigate the effect on target binding, selectivity, and metabolic stability.

Specific published synthetic protocols employing this exact compound were not identified in the provided source material; researchers should conduct a current literature search for the most relevant applications.

Ordering and Technical Support from Aladdin Scientific

3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenylacetic acid is available from Aladdin Scientific under SKU P700767. To place an order or obtain technical information, customers may:

• Visit the Aladdin Scientific website and search by SKU P700767 or by product name.
• Request a current certificate of analysis (CoA) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) directly from the product page or via customer service.
• Contact Aladdin Scientific's technical support team for guidance on purity grades, available pack sizes, pricing, and bulk quotations.
• Consult the help and customer service section of the Aladdin Scientific website for information on ordering procedures, shipping, returns, and payment options.

Researchers requiring custom synthesis, larger quantities, or specific analytical data beyond what is listed on the standard product page are encouraged to contact Aladdin Scientific's sales team directly.