Chemists have long explored thiophene derivatives for their unique structure and reactivity. By the early 20th century, researchers recognized the potential of compounds with both aromatic sulfur rings and alcohol groups. Laboratory synthesis of Thiophen-2-ethanol began to gain traction as scientists searched for intermediates capable of bridging organic synthesis and pharmaceutical development. Patents and journal articles from the 1950s onward often traced their steps through sulfur-containing heterocycles. Through both targeted research and broader studies aimed at building block molecules, this compound emerged as a bridge linking sulfur chemistry with alcohol functionality—enabling new research into synthesis and potential uses in medicine, flavor, and advanced materials.
Thiophen-2-ethanol offers a combination of a thiophene ring and a primary alcohol decoration at the two position. Its molecular formula, C6H8OS, and molar mass close to 128.19 g/mol, keep it light enough to handle easily and reactive enough for modifications. Its faint, slightly unpleasant odor and pale-yellow to colorless appearance reflect its use as a specialty building block. Producers design packaging with chemical-resistant liners and high-integrity seals. Researchers and companies from pharmaceuticals to petrochemicals seek it for its blend of chemical utility and manageable handling.
At room temperature, Thiophen-2-ethanol appears as an oily liquid with moderate volatility. It blends smoothly in many organic solvents like ether, chloroform, and DMSO. With a boiling point just above 220°C and melting point near -30°C, it resists freezing in standard labs and most warehouses. The density hovers close to 1.15 g/cm³. The hydroxyl group at the ethyl tail serves as the launchpad for esterification, ether formation, and oxidation, while the aromatic ring brings in strong resonance stabilization and sulfur’s electron-donating effects. This dual identity gives it flexibility for functional group transformations and new molecule assembly.
Chemical suppliers ship Thiophen-2-ethanol at purities usually no less than 97%, sometimes refined for research demands with 99% minimum. Labels clearly display the CAS number (usually 5402-55-1) and UN hazard codes if it rides as a liquid cargo. MSDS sheets call out both chemical and physical characteristics, recommended storage at 2–8°C away from light, and incompatibility with strong oxidizers. Certificates of Analysis back up assays for alcohol content, water percentage, and trace sulfur byproducts. Shipment records list regulatory compliance for REACH in Europe and TSCA in the United States, helpful for cross-border manufacturing.
Synthetic routes to Thiophen-2-ethanol track back to simple building blocks. A common pathway runs through thiophen-2-carboxaldehyde via reduction, often using sodium borohydride or catalytic hydrogenation. Some labs turn to Grignard reactions, coupling thiophene derivatives with ethylene oxide or related intermediates. Batch sizes range from a flask in pharmaceutical research to hundreds of kilograms in aroma and specialty chemical manufacture. Purification steps may include vacuum distillation and liquid-liquid extraction to remove colored impurities and sulfur-containing side products. Operators need both chemical know-how and process discipline.
The alcohol functionality attracts many modifications. Researchers oxidize it to thiophen-2-carboxaldehyde or thiophene-2-acetic acid as intermediates for even more complex synthesis. Tosylation, acylation, and ester formation broaden the spectrum. Electrophilic aromatic substitution on the thiophene ring allows for halogenation or nitration, setting the stage for advanced medicinal chemistry. In polymer research, the ethanol group serves as the anchoring site for chaining or cross-linking, improving flexibility within conductive or optical materials. The dual reactivity supports both academia and industrial product development.
Chemists and catalogues know this molecule by multiple names: 2-(Thiophen-2-yl)ethanol, 2-Thienylethanol, β-Thienylethanol. Distributors sometimes abbreviate or reorder descriptors; the most common commercial names mimic the IUPAC organization for clarity. Product codes reflect both supplier internal tracking and compliance with global trade requirements. Accurate labeling and documentation support inventory management for bridge compounds in research, scale-up, and downstream processing.
Handling guidelines owe their detail to both chemical properties and regulatory oversight. Users should avoid prolonged inhalation and skin contact, even though the acute toxicity ranks as moderate. Operators wear gloves of nitrile or butyl rubber, safety goggles, and splash-resistant coats. Ventilated hoods minimize airborne concentrations. Storage containers include secondary containment for liquid spills, and companies ensure waste disposal falls in line with local rules for organosulfur compounds. Emergency procedures emphasize quick response for spills and readiness with class B fire extinguishers, reflecting its flammability profile. Documentation, labeling, and internal audits anchor plant safety.
Thiophen-2-ethanol moves through a range of application niches. In flavors and fragrances, it can build sophisticated natural aromas, adding subtle earthiness and complexity when blended or reacted into larger molecules. Medicinal chemistry values its capacity to anchor drug candidates, particularly where sulfur’s electronic profile plays a functional role in biological activity. In material science, the molecule enables synthesis of new conductive polymers, often finding its way into research around organic electronics and flexible circuits. Laboratory research, in both academic and industrial development, treats it as a versatile intermediate for rapid assembly of high-value products.
Scientists continue probing the full capability of thiophene alcohols. With ongoing expansion in green chemistry, researchers design new, milder reduction routes that cut down on hazardous reagents and lower energy demand. Biotechnologists run screening studies for enzyme-catalyzed modifications, mapping new ways to tailor both the alcohol and aromatic domains. Pharmaceutical innovators test analogues in cell and animal models, balancing the promise of heterocyclic drugs with challenges around bioavailability and metabolic stability. Industrial cooperation helps drive continuous improvement, whether optimizing yields in batch reactors or pioneering new product categories blending electronics with drug delivery.
Careful examination tracks both acute and chronic exposure. Animal studies identify LD50 values that flag moderate toxicity through oral and dermal routes. At low concentrations, skin and eye irritation may develop with repeated exposure, prompting clear workplace controls. In the environment, researchers look for breakdown products and bioaccumulation patterns, so agencies can draft informed regulations. Longer-term data explore organ-specific impacts and the potential for mutagenicity. Transparent reporting and systematic lab testing shape both workplace policies and product stewardship.
Momentum behind sulfur-containing intermediates grows as new technologies call for special performance from low-weight, heteroatom-rich building blocks. Future research will emphasize green production, looking to biocatalysis and solvent-free approaches. Rapid screening under computational models may reveal new pharmaceutical leads, especially as interest in modulators of oxidative stress intensifies. In organic electronics, improved hybrid materials that combine thiophene’s charge-carrier qualities with the processability of alcohols create opportunities in next-generation sensors and flexible displays. Regulatory harmonization and enhanced safety profiling will support global trade and expand the toolkit for synthetic and application chemists. Every advance brings complications, so ongoing research into exposure and lifecycle will shape sustainable practices in labs and factories.
