Chemical Structure and Physical Properties

Benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxaldehyde (BTA, CAS 3163-62-0) is an aromatic trialdehyde with the molecular formula C₉H₆O₃ and a molecular weight of 162.14 g/mol. Its defining structural feature is the C_3h symmetry arising from three aldehyde (–CHO) substituents placed at the 1-, 3-, and 5-positions of a benzene ring. This high-symmetry, planar architecture makes BTA an ideal rigid trigonal building block for two- and three-dimensional network materials.

BTA typically appears as a white to off-white crystalline solid. It is sparingly soluble in water but dissolves readily in common polar aprotic solvents such as dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), as well as in tetrahydrofuran (THF) and ethanol. The compound should be stored in a cool, dry location away from strong oxidising agents and amines to prevent undesired condensation reactions.

Key Research Applications

Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs): BTA is among the most widely used trialdehyde nodes in imine-linked COF synthesis. Its rigid, planar C₃-symmetric geometry directs the formation of hexagonal 2D networks when condensed with ditopic or tritopic amines. The resulting COFs exhibit permanent porosity, high surface areas, and tunable pore chemistries of interest for gas storage, separation, and heterogeneous catalysis.

Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and Supramolecular Cages: BTA participates in subcomponent self-assembly and solvothermal MOF synthesis, where its three aldehyde groups coordinate with metal ions or react in situ with amines to form dynamic imine ligands. This approach gives access to discrete cages, capsules, and extended porous coordination polymers.

Schiff Base Chemistry: Condensation of BTA with primary amines yields tris-imine (tridentate Schiff base) compounds that serve as ligands in coordination chemistry and as monomers in imine-linked polymer networks. The reversible nature of imine bond formation under thermodynamic control is exploited in the synthesis of error-correcting, crystalline porous materials.

Organic Synthesis and Functional Materials: BTA is also used as a cross-linking aldehyde in resin chemistry, as a precursor for the preparation of triphenylamine and triptycene derivatives, and as a building block for stimuli-responsive dynamic covalent networks.

Handling, Storage, and Safety Considerations

BTA should be handled using standard laboratory precautions for reactive aldehyde compounds. Personal protective equipment (PPE) including nitrile gloves, safety glasses, and a lab coat is recommended. Operations generating dust or aerosols should be conducted in a well-ventilated fume hood.

Store BTA as a solid in a tightly sealed container under inert atmosphere if long-term stability is required. Recommended storage conditions are a cool, dry environment (typically 2–8 °C or room temperature per manufacturer specification). Keep away from strong oxidising agents, strong bases, and primary amines to avoid premature condensation or oxidation.

Dispose of BTA and its solutions in accordance with local hazardous waste regulations applicable to organic aldehyde compounds. Consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) supplied by Aladdin Scientific for full hazard classification, first-aid measures, and regulatory information before use.

Why Choose Aladdin Scientific BTA (SKU B169517)?

Aladdin Scientific offers Benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxaldehyde (SKU B169517) as a research-grade reagent suitable for demanding synthetic and materials-science applications. Researchers and procurement professionals can rely on Aladdin Scientific for consistent lot-to-lot quality, comprehensive documentation including Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and SDS, and responsive technical support. Contact our team or visit the product page for current pricing, available pack sizes, and shipping options.