Chemists have spent decades learning to master brominated heterocyclic compounds, and (5-Bromothiophen-2-Yl)-Phenylmethanone traces its roots back to the evolution of organosulfur chemistry. Early work focused on foundational thiophene rings, recognized for their stability and unique electronics. The bromine atom’s addition gave new handles for reaction, making this molecule more than a lab curiosity. In the mid-to-late 20th century, laboratories began exploring benzoyl derivatives in organic synthesis. The brominated thiophene-benzoyl amalgam grew from this legacy, pushed forward by the increasing demand for fine specialty chemicals, especially in pharma and electronic materials. By the 1990s, the structure appeared more frequently in patent filings and journal articles, often explored for cross-coupling or as a scaffold in medicinal chemistry pipelines.
(5-Bromothiophen-2-Yl)-Phenylmethanone stands as a unique hybrid, blending the electronic effects of a phenyl group with the sulfur-rich thiophene and the selective reactivity of bromine. Yet, the molecule isn’t just laboratory eye-candy—labs depend on this compound for its ability to foster both small changes and sweeping transformations in target molecules. The synthesis of such compounds may seem simple on paper, but small shifts in process can have a big effect on purity and performance. Anyone who has handled these intermediates understands the critical interplay between reagent choice, solvent interactions, and workup conditions. Lab practice proves, time and again, that the details matter.
As a solid at room temperature, (5-Bromothiophen-2-Yl)-Phenylmethanone exhibits a crystalline appearance—sometimes off-white, sometimes bearing tinges from trace impurities that slip through even careful purification. With a molecular formula of C11H7BrOS and a molecular weight around 267.14 g/mol, its density shows the heft of a halogenated aromatic compound. The melting point typically falls near 62–66°C, though subtle shifts can reveal the presence of minor byproducts. Solubility in organic solvents like DMSO, DMF, chloroform, and dichloromethane makes it accessible for a range of synthetic operations. The molecule’s distinctive odor—rooted in its thiophene core—serves as a reminder that chemistry is always personal and sensory. Stability under normal storage makes it manageable, but the presence of the bromine atom requires some care around light, moisture, and heat.
Experienced chemists scrutinize technical sheets for specific features. Purity levels, determined by chromatography or NMR, often exceed 97%. Spectral data gives the confidence needed for downstream synthesis—peaks in the proton and carbon NMR match published values, while mass spectrometry confirms molecular integrity. Clear labeling includes CAS Number 50814-24-7, appropriate GHS hazard statements, batch number, production date, and recommendations for storage—typically cool, dark, and dry. Reliable suppliers add safety guidelines, MSDS access, and sometimes trackable lot histories to support transparency. These technical details anchor safe and reproducible research, creating a foundation for further modification.
Most synthetic routes start with a brominated thiophene substrate, which reacts with a benzoyl chloride derivative under Friedel–Crafts acylation conditions. Use of aluminum chloride, handled with care due to its moisture sensitivity, drives formation of the target aryl ketone. Variations exist—switching up protecting groups, temperature regimes, solvent systems—to optimize yield and purity. Anyone who has run these reactions knows that careful control of reaction time, temperature, and quenching sequence keeps byproducts at bay. Purification involves extraction, washing, and crystallization, or sometimes column chromatography, if moieties closely resemble each other. Yield management leans on both bench skills and a willingness to tinker with conditions until the spectrum reads clean.
The potential of (5-Bromothiophen-2-Yl)-Phenylmethanone in synthetic chemistry shows itself in each new transformation. The bromine atom opens the door for palladium-catalyzed coupling—Suzuki, Sonogashira, Heck, and Stille methods—where customized biaryls, alkynes, and other conjugated systems get assembled. Cross-coupling plays a starring role, but nucleophilic aromatic substitution, Grignard addition, or even reduction of the carbonyl provide more options to shape molecular architecture. The molecule’s stability under various conditions lets researchers experiment, fine-tuning reaction partners and solvents to match their ambitions. These pathways help both academic and industrial laboratories solve puzzles in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and new-materials research.
In catalogs and literature, several names surface for this substance: 1-(5-Bromothiophen-2-yl)-2-phenylethanone, 5-Bromo-2-thienyl phenyl ketone, and 2-Benzoyl-5-bromothiophene all direct chemists to the same compound. CAS 50814-24-7 serves as a constant amid these synonyms, ensuring researchers order the right material. Understanding alternate nomenclature lowers the risk of mix-ups, especially when comparing results or sourcing raw materials.
Personal experience in the lab tells you a lot about safety—small amounts of dust in the air, unexpected reactivity, all demand respect. (5-Bromothiophen-2-Yl)-Phenylmethanone falls under GHS classification for skin and eye irritation. Wearing gloves, a lab coat, and eye protection stops problems before they start. Labs with a culture of safety always include efficient ventilation, regular MSDS reviews, and dedicated waste disposal methods for organohalogens and sulfur-containing debris. Regular audits remind staff to stay sharp. Emergency protocols, spill kits, and proper first aid supplies save time and prevent accidents when things go off script.
This compound stands out as a key intermediate in organic synthesis, bridging the worlds of pharmaceuticals, advanced polymers, and organic electronics. Medicinal chemists chase new drug candidates by leveraging this scaffold's ability to connect with bioactive fragments. Material scientists value the thiophene core’s role in conducting polymers, exploring new frontiers in OLEDs and organic solar cells. Agrochemical research taps into the reactivity too, using it as a launchpad for novel protection agents and growth regulators. The versatility seen in (5-Bromothiophen-2-Yl)-Phenylmethanone’s chemistry continues to attract teams pushing for better, safer, and more sustainable molecules.
Continuous improvement in chemistry depends on compounds like this one. Research teams often tackle yield optimization, greener process routes, and scaled synthesis—balancing cost against purity and performance. Collaboration between academic labs and industrial facilities speeds progress, with researchers sharing data on catalytic efficiencies, environmental impact, and end-use stability. Computational chemistry and AI support better predictive pathways, letting chemists focus experiments where success seems likely. Projects today often involve real-time analytics, feedback loops, and digital documentation, making it easier to learn from both successes and failures. Such initiatives bring the molecule’s potential to more arenas, fueling exploration in everything from improved antibiotics to high-performance batteries.
Laboratory vetting for safety always includes rigorous toxicity assessment. (5-Bromothiophen-2-Yl)-Phenylmethanone’s structure raises some red flags with its brominated and aromatic content, and toxicologists do not cut corners. Standard in vitro tests, using human and animal cell lines, map out cytotoxicity thresholds. Environmental impact, persistence, and breakdown products are tracked in parallel. So far, most reports suggest low acute toxicity, but the chronic effects—especially for off-target environmental organisms—demand more research. Personal lab work often requires close-out paperwork for any unexplored toxicity, and many research facilities prioritize disposal through licensed waste management partners, minimizing exposure risks to staff and surrounding ecosystems.
Looking at the road ahead, (5-Bromothiophen-2-Yl)-Phenylmethanone finds itself poised for a larger role as innovation demands new cross-coupling partners. The compound’s sturdy backbone and versatility keep it relevant as chemists develop greener, more efficient synthetic methods. Development of bio-based or recyclable process shortcuts could lighten the environmental footprint, meeting stricter regulations and market expectations for sustainability. Advances in medicinal and materials chemistry continue to highlight this compound, as researchers unlock fresh uses and derivatives. More robust toxicity studies, automated handling protocols, and digital synthesis platforms will likely shape the next chapters for this chemical, helping labs innovate safely, quickly, and with a clear record of stewardship.
