2-Acetyl-5-Hydrothiophene comes up a lot in labs and on factory floors, known more simply in chemical circles as a key building block for flavors, fragrances, and pharmaceuticals. The formula, C6H6OS, gives you the basics: six carbons, six hydrogens, an oxygen, and sulfur all packed into one molecule, making up a piece of organic chemistry that brings more punch than its size might suggest. The structure features a five-membered thiophene ring with an acetyl group at position 2, driving both its reactivity and aroma, and making it important for both synthetic chemists and production teams working with raw flavor compounds.
This material often turns up on the bench as a pale yellow to colorless solid. It sometimes shows up in a crystalline or powdery form, but you can spot it as flakes, pearls, or even as a dense liquid depending on storage and purity. With a density around 1.18 g/cm³ and a molecular weight of about 126.18, a liter of the solution packs quite a bit of active ingredient for its size. That density, combined with relatively low volatility, allows for easier handling — so regular safety glasses and gloves usually do the trick, barring any splashes or spills. Melting points tend to range between 45°C and 50°C, so between cool temperatures and room heat, the solid may start shifting to a liquid, making climate control a real factor in warehouses or supply closets. In my time working with thiophene derivatives, the solid form clings to glassware but dissolves quickly in common organic solvents, letting teams turn it into solutions or blends without fuss.
The presence of an acetyl group bonded to the five-membered thiophene core increases both its polarity and its ability to participate in further reactions. The sulfur atom in the ring lends it a slight pungency, a feature well-known among folks preparing raw aroma materials for the food industry. Those working on synthetic intermediates for pharmaceuticals rely on this structure because the reactivity opens up routes to more complex molecules with just a few steps, saving weeks of lab time. As for stability, this compound keeps its shape under usual storage conditions, but lengthened exposure to high heat or strong oxidizers may break down its core. Scientists looking for dependable organics value the balance between stability and reactivity, as it keeps processes predictable yet productive.
Chemical suppliers label this compound under HS Code 2934999090, slotting it with miscellaneous organic chemicals. What you hold in your hand could be a solid or liquid depending on your region’s climate and how recently the drum was opened. Purity counts for a lot, especially in the flavor sector, so labs demand at least 98% assay, putting extra focus on the source and storage habits. Manufacturers track the molecular formula and specifications from the first batch to the last, catching any sign of degradation or contamination by checking for trace solvents or byproducts, ensuring that only the true 2-Acetyl-5-Hydrothiophene gets through to mixers, reactors, or bottling lines.
Outside the lab, the main destinations remain the fragrance aisle and the formulation tank. Tiny concentrations, sometimes less than a fraction of a percent, give off a roasted, nutty, or savory scent that lands in everything from snacks to perfumes. Yet the same potency means hazard warnings matter: 2-Acetyl-5-Hydrothiophene counts as harmful if swallowed or inhaled in large amounts. Irritation stands out as the common risk on skin or eyes, especially for those weighing out raw powder or preparing solutions without good ventilation. My experience says that anyone handling this material day-to-day benefits from proper gloves, splash-proof goggles, and ready access to eye wash stations. The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) spells out emergency steps and storage guidelines, which takes the guesswork out of training new techs or bringing on temporary staff during rush periods.
Getting raw materials to the right spot without losses or spills remains a top priority, because any release of thiophene-based compounds can draw the attention of both regulators and local neighbors. The pungency lingers in the air, and residues left on weighing papers or floors tick off sensitive leak detectors. Many facilities set up specific waste streams and closed loop systems for thiophene residues, recognizing that an ounce of prevention on the front end beats regulatory headaches or odor complaints down the road. Treatment plans usually involve closed storage, clear labeling, and regular hazardous materials audits. Direct handlers should watch for skin contact or inhalation risk, as routine exposure could lead to sensitization over time, based on occupational health surveys from the fragrance and chemical industry.
Supply chain teams track sources of 2-Acetyl-5-Hydrothiophene from upstream raw material vendors through to the bulk containers received at plant gates. Documentation like COAs (Certificates of Analysis) back every shipment, since a batch off specification can derail days of effort or result in off-odor or off-taste products. I’ve found that closer relationships between R&D, production, and the sourcing department help keep product quality both consistent and safe. More frequent training sessions around chemical handling, spill response drills, and regular review of storage temperature records build good habits and lower accident rates. Steering towards greener solvents in blending, or switching to enclosed transfer systems, further reduces risks and waste.
Getting the most out of any chemical like 2-Acetyl-5-Hydrothiophene depends on understanding its quirks, knowing which hazards require respect, and keeping handlers prepared for both routine and unexpected events. The point isn’t to replace human labor with endless automation, but instead to keep scientific curiosity alive while treating both workers and raw materials with care. More transparent supply streams, constant attention to storage, and a culture of safety make sure 2-Acetyl-5-Hydrothiophene continues playing a vital role — in the perfume bottle, on the lunch plate, or as a foundation for even more complex chemistry ahead.
