1996-44-7 (2,4-Difluorobenzenethiol) is an important fluorinated aromatic thiol widely used as a building block in modern organic synthesis. With increasing demand for fluorinated compounds in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty materials, 2,4-Difluorobenzenethiol has become a valuable intermediate in advanced chemical manufacturing.
Its unique combination of two fluorine atoms and a reactive thiol (-SH) group gives it distinctive electronic properties and versatile reactivity, making it highly useful in complex synthetic pathways.
Chemical Name: 2,4-Difluorobenzenethiol
CAS Number: 1996-44-7
Molecular Formula: C₆H₄F₂S
Molecular Weight: 146.16 g/mol
Chemical Class: Fluorinated aromatic thiol
Functional Groups: Thiol (-SH), aromatic fluorine substitutions
The compound consists of a benzene ring substituted with:
Two fluorine atoms at the 2 and 4 positions
One thiol (-SH) functional group
The fluorine atoms strongly influence the electron density of the aromatic ring, enhancing stability while modifying reactivity. The thiol group provides nucleophilicity and strong coordination ability, making the molecule highly adaptable in synthesis.
The thiol group in 2,4-Difluorobenzenethiol acts as a strong nucleophile, allowing:
Formation of thioethers
Alkylation reactions
Acylation processes
Cross-coupling transformations
This makes it a valuable reagent for introducing sulfur-containing moieties into complex organic molecules.
Fluorinated thiophenol derivatives are widely used in medicinal chemistry due to:
Improved metabolic stability
Enhanced lipophilicity
Increased bioavailability
Optimized receptor binding properties
2,4-Difluorobenzenethiol serves as a precursor in synthesizing:
Fluorinated drug candidates
Sulfur-linked heterocyclic compounds
Active pharmaceutical intermediates (APIs)
In agrochemical research, fluorinated aromatic thiols are important for producing:
Herbicides
Fungicides
Crop protection agents
The presence of fluorine atoms enhances biological activity and environmental stability, making compounds derived from 2,4-Difluorobenzenethiol valuable in crop science applications.
2,4-Difluorobenzenethiol is frequently used in:
Custom synthesis laboratories
Fine chemical manufacturing
Development of specialty polymers
Advanced material research
Its ability to participate in oxidation reactions (forming disulfides) and metal-binding interactions expands its industrial utility.
Key chemical behaviors include:
Oxidation to disulfides
Formation of metal–thiolate complexes
Participation in cross-coupling reactions
Electrophilic aromatic substitution (modified by fluorine atoms)
The electron-withdrawing fluorine substituents increase acidity of the thiol group, which can influence reaction mechanisms and selectivity.
The growing interest in fluorinated building blocks is driven by:
Demand for high-performance pharmaceuticals
Need for stable agrochemical compounds
Expansion of fluorine chemistry research
Development of advanced materials
2,4-Difluorobenzenethiol offers:
Chemical stability
Controlled reactivity
Versatile functional group compatibility
High-value application potential
As with most thiol-containing compounds:
Handle in well-ventilated areas
Avoid inhalation and skin contact
Store in tightly sealed containers
Keep away from strong oxidizing agents
Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) should always be used during laboratory or industrial handling.
The global expansion of fluorinated compound development continues to drive demand for intermediates like 1996-44-7 (2,4-Difluorobenzenethiol). Research in medicinal chemistry, crop protection, and advanced materials ensures sustained relevance of this compound in industrial supply chains.
As innovation in fluorine-based chemistry accelerates, 2,4-Difluorobenzenethiol remains a strategic intermediate in high-value chemical synthesis.
1996-44-7 (2,4-Difluorobenzenethiol) plays a crucial role as a key intermediate in organic synthesis. Its dual fluorine substitution and reactive thiol functionality make it highly valuable in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and specialty chemical industries.
With increasing demand for fluorinated and sulfur-containing compounds, this versatile intermediate continues to support innovation across modern chemical research and industrial manufacturing sectors.
