What Is Fluorobenzene?
Fluorobenzene is an organic compound with the molecular formula C6H5F. The CAS registration number is 462-06-6. It has a molecular weight of 96.1, a melting point of -44 °C, and a boiling point of 85 °C. It is characterized by a peculiar odor. It has a density of 1.025 g/ml. It is miscible with ether, extremely soluble in ethanol and acetone, but virtually insoluble in water.
Uses of Fluorobenzene
Fluorobenzene is a useful raw material for organofluorine compounds. It is used as a synthetic raw material and extractant for organic compounds such as agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals.
It is also considered a relatively inert compound due to the strength of its carbon-fluorine bond and is often used as an organic solvent. Although its melting point is much lower than that of benzene (5.5°C), its boiling point is almost the same. However, it is important to note that fluorobenzene can crystallize by coordinating with metal complexes.
Properties of Fluorobenzene
1. Synthesis of Fluorobenzene
Fluorobenzene can be synthesized on a laboratory scale by the thermal decomposition of benzenediazonium tetrafluoroborate. Heating solid benzenediazonium tetrafluoroborate produces two volatiles, boron trifluoride, and fluorobenzene, which can be separated by their different boiling points.
Another synthetic method exists in which benzenediazonium chloride is made into a piperidine salt, which is then treated with hydrofluoric acid.
2. Chemical Properties of Fluorobenzene
Fluorobenzene is more likely to react with electrophiles at the para position due to the electron-donating nature of the fluorine atom. Hence, the conversion to 1-bromo-4-fluorobenzene proceeds in a relatively high yield. The CF bond is also a relatively stable bond due to its high bond energy.
Due to its relatively stable compound, it is used as a solvent, but it can also be coordinated with metal complexes, causing them to crystallize.
Although it is considered stable under normal storage conditions, it should be kept away from high temperatures, direct sunlight, and flames.
Types of Fluorobenzene
Fluorobenzene is sold mainly as reagent products for research and development and as products for the chemical industry.
In reagents for research and development, it is available in different volumes such as 5g, 25g, 100g, and 500g. These reagent products can be handled at room temperature. The main uses of these reagents are raw materials for organic synthesis. a reagent product is fluorobenzene-d5, in which the hydrogen atom is replaced by a deuterium.
In addition, products for the chemical industry are supplied from gram scale to ton scale. Large volumes are often handled in drums and tanks, and due to the large scale, they are usually handled in a cool, dark place.
Other Information on Fluorobenzene
Safety Information and Regulations for Fluorobenzene
Fluorobenzene is a highly flammable liquid with a low flash point of -8℃.
In terms of hazards to the human body, serious eye damage and germ cell mutagenicity tests have been conducted, and there is a risk of hereditary diseases.