2-Bromo-5-Formylthiophene belongs to the family of halogenated aromatic compounds, recognized among chemists for its versatility as a raw material. It takes its name from the thiophene backbone, a sulfur-containing five-membered ring, where two positions are substituted —the second carbon holds a bromine atom and the fifth carries a formyl group. Its molecular formula, C5H3BrOS, matches with a molar mass of about 191.05 g/mol. What’s striking about this molecule is how its small tweaks—just a bromine atom swapped in, a formyl tag attached—can open access to a whole suite of possibilities for chemical transformations and downstream synthesis.
At room temperature, 2-Bromo-5-Formylthiophene typically appears as a pale yellow solid, though some clutch it in crystalline form, its finely granular texture lending itself to efficient weighing and mixing. Look closely at its structure: a planar aromatic ring, sulfur tucked in neatly with carbons, that distinctive bromine atom sticking out, adding heft. The compound doesn’t dissolve happily in water but finds its way in common organic solvents such as dichloromethane or ether. Most supplies come as powder, flakes, or small crystalline pearls, making it easy to measure out for reactions that require careful stoichiometry in the lab or on the factory floor.
This molecule sits steady with a density just a shade above 1.8 g/cm3, so it sinks readily in solutions, helping avoid separation headaches when setting up reactions or during purification. Its melting point rests around 65°C, clear enough for chemists to lean on controlled heating during crystallization or solvent removal. In a container, left undisturbed under normal lab conditions, it remains stable, not prone to decomposition or wild reactivity at moderate temperature, but shows up ready for action in the right circumstances. Its formyl group opens the door for nucleophilic addition and condensation, while the bromine provides a convenient leaving group for coupling reactions, leading to more elaborate structures.
The value sits not just in the compound itself but in what it gives rise to. Many research teams, those working in pharmaceuticals especially, view 2-Bromo-5-Formylthiophene as a stepping stone for creating biologically active molecules, aromatic aldehydes, or advanced intermediates. It plays well in Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions like Suzuki or Stille, popping up in the synthesis of thiophene-based ligands, materials for OLED displays, or novel heterocyclic drugs. The global trade system assigns it the HS Code 2934.99, sorting it in the umbrella of heterocyclic compounds—handy for anyone dealing with shipping, customs, or sourcing from overseas suppliers.
2-Bromo-5-Formylthiophene requires respect. While not as notorious as some organobromides, it carries hazard warnings. Acute exposure might lead to skin or eye irritation. Its formyl group can be sensitive, so gloves and goggles are recommended. Facilities using this chemical set up proper ventilation or use fume hoods to avoid inhaling vapors, especially if looking at larger volumes. Disposal needs to follow local rules for halogenated organic waste; sending it down the drain leads to environmental risk and regulatory fines. Some suppliers label bottles with pictograms, warning of potential harm in case of mishandling, reminding everyone in the laboratory to keep safety sheets handy.
Most often shipped as a solid—powder, granules, or crystalline flakes—2-Bromo-5-Formylthiophene doesn’t arrive in solution unless specified by the buyer for convenience. In solid form, it sits well in sealed glass bottles, kept cool and dry to avoid degradation. Liquids are rare unless prepared directly before use as dilute solutions, usually in dry, air-free solvents for specialized reactions. Even in bulk, the substance shows little tendency to cake or form lumps, but moisture and light are kept at bay to keep purity intact, which anyone running GC-MS or NMR on their samples learns quickly.
The physical and chemical properties of 2-Bromo-5-Formylthiophene—molecular formula, density, solid state, reactivity—shape not just lab routines but affect everything from pricing to hazard management to environmental stewardship. If purity is compromised or storage fails, results tumble out of spec. This highlights a common problem: supply chain gaps. Many researchers know the pain of a delayed delivery or a reagent gone off-spec due to poor transit conditions. Better packaging, improved tracking, local storage options, and backup suppliers help steady the situation, keeping research and production on course.
2-Bromo-5-Formylthiophene isn’t flashy, yet it holds steady for those who demand precision. For those shaping new drugs, new materials, or pushing the bounds of organic synthesis, its reliable profile—manageable density, clear hazards, definite uses—means fewer surprises. Working safely with hazardous organic chemicals still depends on rigorous training, clear labeling, and ongoing reviews of safety protocols. Over time, sharing best handling practices, investing in safer alternatives, and tightening up material tracking push the field forward, making research and production smoother for everyone committed to careful, thoughtful chemistry.
