21739-92-4 (5-Bromo-2-chlorobenzoic Acid): Complete Chemical Profile and Industrial Applications

Introduction

CAS Number: 21739-92-4
Chemical Name: 5-Bromo-2-chlorobenzoic Acid
Molecular Formula: C₇H₄BrClO₂
Molecular Weight: ~235.46 g/mol
Chemical Class: Halogenated aromatic carboxylic acid

21739-92-4, commonly known as 5-Bromo-2-chlorobenzoic Acid, is an important halogen-substituted benzoic acid derivative widely used as a pharmaceutical and agrochemical intermediate. The presence of both bromine and chlorine substituents enhances its reactivity and makes it a versatile building block in advanced organic synthesis.

This compound plays a crucial role in drug discovery, specialty chemical production, and fine chemical manufacturing.


Chemical Structure & Identity

Structural Overview

The molecule consists of:

  • A benzene ring

  • A carboxylic acid group (-COOH)

  • A bromine atom at the 5-position

  • A chlorine atom at the 2-position

Functional Groups

  • Aromatic ring system

  • Carboxylic acid group

  • Aryl bromide

  • Aryl chloride

The combination of electron-withdrawing halogens and a reactive carboxyl group provides both stability and functional versatility.


Physical & Chemical Properties

Property
Description
Appearance
White to off-white crystalline powder
Molecular Weight
~235.46 g/mol
Melting Point
Typically 160–170°C (may vary by purity)
Solubility
Soluble in organic solvents (methanol, DMSO, ethyl acetate)
Water Solubility
Slightly soluble
Stability
Stable under normal laboratory conditions
Storage
Cool, dry place away from light

Key Characteristics

  • Good thermal stability

  • Moderate acidity due to carboxyl group

  • Suitable for cross-coupling reactions


Synthesis Methods

Halogenation Approach

Common preparation methods include:

  1. Controlled bromination of 2-chlorobenzoic acid

  2. Selective chlorination of brominated benzoic acid derivatives

Careful reaction conditions ensure positional selectivity.

Industrial-Scale Production

  • Use of halogenated precursors

  • Catalyzed substitution reactions

  • Recrystallization for purification

Quality is verified via:

  • HPLC

  • NMR spectroscopy

  • IR analysis

  • GC-MS


Reactivity & Chemical Behavior

Carboxylic Acid Reactivity

  • Esterification

  • Amidation

  • Salt formation

  • Conversion to acid chlorides

Cross-Coupling Reactions

The bromine atom allows:

  • Suzuki coupling

  • Heck reactions

  • Sonogashira coupling

This makes it valuable in synthesizing complex aromatic systems.

Substitution Reactions

Under specific conditions, the chlorine substituent may participate in nucleophilic aromatic substitution.


Industrial Applications

Pharmaceutical Industry

5-Bromo-2-chlorobenzoic Acid is widely used as:

  • Intermediate in active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) synthesis

  • Precursor in anti-inflammatory drug research

  • Building block for antimicrobial and anticancer compounds

Halogen substitution enhances:

  • Lipophilicity

  • Biological activity

  • Metabolic stability


Agrochemical Manufacturing

Used in the production of:

  • Herbicides

  • Fungicides

  • Crop protection chemicals

Halogenated aromatic acids often improve environmental stability and biological effectiveness.


Fine & Specialty Chemicals

  • Intermediate in dyes and pigments

  • Polymer additive precursor

  • Custom chemical synthesis


Research & Development

  • Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) studies

  • Organic synthesis methodology development

  • Catalyst testing


Safety & Handling Guidelines

Hazard Information

  • May cause skin and eye irritation

  • Avoid inhalation of dust

  • Handle with care in laboratory environments

Recommended PPE

  • Protective gloves

  • Safety goggles

  • Lab coat

  • Proper ventilation or fume hood

Storage Recommendations

  • Store in tightly sealed containers

  • Keep away from moisture and direct sunlight

  • Recommended storage temperature: 2–8°C or ambient controlled temperature


Quality Specifications

Typical industrial specifications include:

Parameter
Standard
Purity
≥ 98%
Moisture Content
≤ 0.5%
Appearance
White crystalline solid
Heavy Metals
Within regulatory limits

Analytical techniques used:

  • HPLC

  • NMR

  • IR spectroscopy

  • Melting point determination


Regulatory & Compliance

  • Supplied for research and industrial use

  • Not intended for direct human or veterinary consumption

  • Must comply with local chemical safety regulations

  • Subject to transport and handling guidelines for hazardous chemicals

Manufacturers often provide:

  • Certificate of Analysis (COA)

  • Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)


Market Outlook

The demand for 21739-92-4 is driven by:

  • Growth in pharmaceutical R&D

  • Expansion of agrochemical industries

  • Increased demand for halogenated intermediates

  • Custom synthesis projects

Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America remain key markets for halogenated benzoic acid derivatives.


Advantages in Industrial Chemistry

✔ Dual halogen substitution enhances reactivity
✔ Versatile carboxylic acid functionality
✔ Suitable for scalable manufacturing
✔ Stable and easy to store
✔ Broad application across industries

Conclusion

21739-92-4 (5-Bromo-2-chlorobenzoic Acid) is a valuable halogenated aromatic carboxylic acid widely used in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and specialty chemical manufacturing. Its balanced reactivity, structural stability, and functional versatility make it an essential intermediate in modern synthetic chemistry.

As global demand for advanced intermediates continues to grow, 5-Bromo-2-chlorobenzoic Acid remains a strategically important compound for research and industrial applications.