2557-78-0 (2-Fluorothiophenol): Complete Chemical Profile and Industrial Applications

Introduction

2557-78-0 (2-Fluorothiophenol) is an important fluorinated aromatic sulfur compound widely used as a chemical intermediate in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and specialty chemical synthesis. With the growing demand for fluorinated building blocks in advanced organic chemistry, 2-Fluorothiophenol has gained significant attention in research and industrial manufacturing.

This article provides a complete chemical profile of 2557-78-0 (2-Fluorothiophenol), including its structure, physical and chemical properties, synthesis routes, safety considerations, and major industrial applications.


Chemical Identity and Basic Information

  • Chemical Name: 2-Fluorothiophenol

  • CAS Number: 2557-78-0

  • Molecular Formula: C₆H₅FS

  • Molecular Weight: 128.17 g/mol

  • Chemical Structure: Aromatic benzene ring substituted with a fluorine atom at the ortho position and a thiol (-SH) functional group.

Structural Overview

2-Fluorothiophenol belongs to the class of fluorinated thiophenols. The presence of both a fluorine atom and a thiol group (-SH) on the aromatic ring significantly influences its reactivity, making it a valuable intermediate in organic synthesis.

The fluorine atom enhances chemical stability and modifies electronic properties, while the thiol group provides high nucleophilicity and strong binding affinity toward metals and electrophilic compounds.


Physical and Chemical Properties

Property
Description
Appearance
Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor
Characteristic thiol odor
Boiling Point
Moderate range (varies with purity)
Solubility
Slightly soluble in water; soluble in organic solvents
Functional Groups
Aromatic fluorine, thiol (-SH)

Reactivity Profile

2-Fluorothiophenol demonstrates:

  • Nucleophilic substitution reactions

  • Oxidation to disulfides

  • Metal coordination behavior

  • Participation in cross-coupling reactions

The electron-withdrawing fluorine atom impacts the acidity of the thiol group and influences substitution patterns in further synthetic modifications.


Synthesis of 2557-78-0 (2-Fluorothiophenol)

2-Fluorothiophenol is typically synthesized through:

  1. Halogen exchange reactions

  2. Nucleophilic aromatic substitution

  3. Reduction of corresponding disulfide derivatives

  4. Thiolation of fluorinated aromatic precursors

Industrial production focuses on achieving high purity, controlled reaction conditions, and minimal sulfur-containing by-products.


Industrial Applications

1. Pharmaceutical Intermediates

2-Fluorothiophenol plays a crucial role in synthesizing:

  • Fluorinated drug candidates

  • Active pharmaceutical intermediates (APIs)

  • Sulfur-containing heterocyclic compounds

Fluorine incorporation in pharmaceuticals improves metabolic stability, bioavailability, and receptor binding affinity.


2. Agrochemical Manufacturing

The compound serves as an intermediate in the development of:

  • Herbicides

  • Fungicides

  • Crop protection agents

Fluorinated thiol compounds enhance biological activity and environmental persistence control.


3. Specialty Chemical Production

In specialty chemical industries, 2-Fluorothiophenol is used for:

  • Custom synthesis

  • Ligand development

  • Organosulfur compound manufacturing

  • Fine chemical research


4. Material Science Applications

Due to its thiol functionality, 2-Fluorothiophenol is utilized in:

  • Surface modification chemistry

  • Metal-binding studies

  • Nanotechnology research

Thiol groups are widely known for their strong affinity to metals such as gold and silver, making them useful in advanced material applications.


Safety and Handling Guidelines

As with most thiol-containing compounds, 2-Fluorothiophenol requires careful handling:

  • Use in well-ventilated areas

  • Avoid inhalation and skin contact

  • Store in tightly sealed containers

  • Keep away from oxidizing agents

Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, goggles, and lab coats is recommended during handling.


Storage Recommendations

  • Store in a cool, dry place

  • Protect from light and air exposure

  • Maintain controlled temperature conditions

  • Keep container tightly closed to prevent oxidation


Market and Research Trends

The demand for fluorinated building blocks continues to grow in:

  • Medicinal chemistry

  • Advanced materials research

  • Agrochemical innovation

As fluorine chemistry expands globally, compounds like 2557-78-0 (2-Fluorothiophenol) remain essential in developing next-generation chemical products.


Conclusion

2557-78-0 (2-Fluorothiophenol) is a versatile and valuable fluorinated thiol compound widely used in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and specialty chemical industries. Its unique combination of a fluorine substituent and thiol functionality provides enhanced reactivity and application potential across multiple sectors.

With increasing research in fluorinated organic compounds, 2-Fluorothiophenol continues to be an important intermediate for advanced chemical synthesis and industrial innovation.