In the specialty chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates sector, high-purity raw materials are essential for ensuring consistent performance and regulatory compliance. 172366-44-8 (2,6-Difluorothiophenol) is an important fluorinated sulfur-containing aromatic compound widely used in research, pharmaceutical synthesis, and advanced chemical manufacturing.
This article provides a detailed overview of its quality specifications, industrial importance, supply chain considerations, and global market insights for manufacturers, procurement teams, and research institutions.
Chemical Name: 2,6-Difluorothiophenol
CAS Number: 172366-44-8
Molecular Formula: C6H4F2S
Molecular Weight: Approx. 146.16 g/mol
Functional Groups: Thiol (-SH) and two fluorine substituents at the 2 and 6 positions
The presence of two fluorine atoms enhances chemical stability and modifies electronic properties, while the thiol group contributes to high reactivity in coupling and substitution reactions.
Fluorinated aromatic thiols like 2,6-Difluorothiophenol are frequently used as key intermediates in pharmaceutical synthesis. Fluorine substitution often improves:
Metabolic stability
Bioavailability
Binding selectivity
Sulfur-containing intermediates are important in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), particularly in specialty therapeutic segments.
The compound is also used in the synthesis of agrochemical intermediates. Fluorinated compounds are widely preferred in crop protection chemistry due to:
Increased environmental stability
Enhanced biological activity
Controlled degradation profiles
Beyond pharma and agrochemicals, 2,6-Difluorothiophenol is used in:
Advanced materials research
Performance chemical formulations
Functionalized aromatic compound synthesis
For industrial and laboratory applications, strict quality control standards are required. Typical quality specifications may include:
≥ 98% or ≥ 99% (by GC or HPLC)
Higher purity levels are typically required for pharmaceutical-grade applications.
Clear liquid or pale yellow liquid (depending on storage and purity)
Controlled to minimal levels (Karl Fischer method commonly used)
Must comply with ICH guidelines for pharmaceutical applications
NMR spectroscopy
GC-MS analysis
Infrared spectroscopy
Reputable suppliers provide:
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Batch-specific documentation
Production of fluorinated thiophenols typically involves multi-step organic synthesis under controlled conditions. Key considerations include:
Controlled fluorination reactions
Sulfur functional group introduction
Strict temperature and pressure monitoring
High-purity solvent systems
Manufacturers must implement Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) if the product is intended for pharmaceutical use.
Due to the presence of a thiol group, 2,6-Difluorothiophenol may have strong odor characteristics and should be handled carefully.
Store in tightly sealed containers
Keep in cool, dry, and well-ventilated areas
Protect from moisture and oxidizing agents
Use inert gas blanketing for long-term storage (if required)
Wear chemical-resistant gloves and goggles
Avoid inhalation of vapors
Use in well-ventilated laboratory or industrial settings
Follow SDS guidelines strictly
Global supply and trade of chemical intermediates require compliance with:
Local environmental regulations
Chemical inventory registrations (where applicable)
Transport regulations (ADR, IATA, IMDG)
REACH compliance for European markets (if applicable)
Proper labeling, hazard classification, and documentation are essential for cross-border shipments.
Production of fluorinated specialty intermediates is concentrated in regions such as:
India
China
Europe
United States
Asia, particularly India and China, plays a significant role in global supply due to cost-efficient manufacturing and established chemical infrastructure.
Key factors influencing global supply include:
Availability of fluorinated raw materials
Regulatory changes
Environmental restrictions
Transportation logistics
Global trade policies
Companies sourcing 172366-44-8 must assess supplier reliability, quality consistency, and regulatory compliance.
Suppliers may offer:
Bulk industrial quantities
Custom synthesis services
Contract manufacturing options
For pharmaceutical companies, custom synthesis with controlled impurity profiling is often preferred.
When sourcing 2,6-Difluorothiophenol, buyers should evaluate:
Supplier certifications (ISO, GMP where applicable)
Analytical testing capabilities
Production capacity
Lead time reliability
Long-term pricing stability
Requesting sample batches before large-scale procurement is recommended.
172366-44-8 (2,6-Difluorothiophenol) is a valuable fluorinated thiol compound widely used in pharmaceutical intermediates, agrochemical development, and specialty chemical manufacturing. Due to its reactive thiol functionality and fluorinated aromatic structure, it plays a crucial role in advanced synthetic chemistry.
Ensuring strict quality specifications, reliable supplier partnerships, and regulatory compliance is essential for industries utilizing this compound. As global demand for fluorinated intermediates continues to grow, maintaining a stable and compliant supply chain will remain a key priority for manufacturers and procurement professionals worldwide.
