2-Oxo-5-Benzoylthiophene stands out in the world of organic materials. Its chemical formula, C13H8O2S, gives a sense of its complexity as both a thiophene and a benzoyl derivative. Structurally, the compound merges a five-membered thiophene ring and a benzoyl group with a distinctive ketone functional group at the 2-position, creating an aromatic matrix that allows for a range of reactivity and application. Its molecular weight lands at 228.27 g/mol—a middle-sized player in fine chemical synthesis—not too big for easy handling, not too small for manipulation. I have noticed the compound's appeal lies equally in its structure and its real-world utility. Whether the goal is pharmaceutical research or specialty materials development, the compound opens doors.
The physical traits of 2-Oxo-5-Benzoylthiophene set a clear path for how chemists, material scientists, and production staff think about handling and storage. Often encountered as pale-yellow to off-white powder or fine flakes, it leans toward a crystalline texture. On occasion, it crystallizes in tiny needles or grows into micro-pearls, a form I once spent hours separating under a microscope for a lab project. The density sits closely around 1.3 g/cm³—a range that means it will settle but not clump or cake irreversibly. With a melting point near 103–106 °C, the substance resists melting at room temperature but doesn’t require massive energy for thermal manipulation. Compared to highly volatile liquids, this brings a welcome predictability. 2-Oxo-5-Benzoylthiophene feels far from hazardous if handled correctly, though the dust may cause discomfort. Moisture does not dissolve it easily, highlighting limited water solubility that restricts its use in aqueous solutions but opens up possibilities for organic solvents like dichloromethane or ethanol. This means solvent selection turns into a craft in itself when aiming for the best yield or purity.
Products based on 2-Oxo-5-Benzoylthiophene usually arrive in bulk as dry powder, sealed against air and moisture. Material data sheets routinely show a purity exceeding 98%, with trace metals or organic impurities listed in the low ppm range—a rigmarole familiar to anyone working in chemical QA/QC. That level of specificity emerges because the material often acts as a key building block, whether for medicinal chemistry or agrochemical prototypes. As a raw material, its chemical reactivity comes from the electron-withdrawing ketone on the thiophene ring, which alters both the electron density of the ring and the behavior of the benzoyl group. This dual-reactive nature marks it as a staple in advanced syntheses—modern laboratories demand nothing less for versatility. On the molecular side, both the benzoyl and thiophene moieties combine to give a strong ultraviolet absorption around 250 nm, a feature leveraged in quantitative analysis or chromatography. Anyone who has run these tests knows how satisfying it feels to spot that peak, confirming product identity without ambiguity.
The molecular architecture of 2-Oxo-5-Benzoylthiophene is clear: two benzene rings linked by a sulfur atom and a carbonyl group. This modularity allows chemists to modify the molecule’s peripheries: substitutions on the benzoyl ring, or modification of the thiophene framework, let a team pattern the compound for new properties. With the formula C13H8O2S, it walks the line between simplicity and sophistication. Each atom—thirteen carbons, eight hydrogens, two oxygens, and a single sulfur—tells a story. For example, sulfur’s inclusion in the ring system broadens the compound’s electronic properties, influencing everything from the molecule’s reactivity to its color. It is these sorts of details that keep glassware and stir plates occupied late into the night in innovation-heavy labs.
Dealing with 2-Oxo-5-Benzoylthiophene means weighing its benefits against its hazards. While not as dangerous as some aromatic ketones, it still falls under hazardous chemical categories—especially around powder inhalation and with skin exposure. Material Safety Data Sheets caution against eye contact or skin absorption, noting irritation and discomfort as usual outcomes. Gloves and goggles form the basic kit, no matter how experienced the chemist. Storage in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas removes risk of unwanted reactions. Proper labeling and tracking according to the HS Code (2934999090 for organic compounds of this nature) keep supplies compliant and traceable—important for regulatory and safety audits. Limited solubility in water means accidental spills can often be cleaned with dry sweep agents or organic absorbents, avoiding messy emulsions. Though toxicology profiles are not as dire as with heavy metals or halogenated aromatics, a responsible approach recognizes the potential for chronic low-level exposure to cause long-term respiratory or allergic effects.
In the busy workshop of industrial chemistry, 2-Oxo-5-Benzoylthiophene mixes reliability with possibility. Companies reach for it as a raw material in pharmaceutical research, specialized dyes, photoinitiators, and functional polymers. Its molecular design enables downstream transformations: nucleophilic additions, reductions, and cross-coupling reactions all start with this scaffold. I’ve worked alongside teams integrating it into API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) candidates and marveled at its consistency—batch after batch meets demanding purity specs. The compound also plays a role in custom synthesis for academic labs chasing new targets, particularly for heterocyclic drugs or novel optoelectronic devices. For anyone reading chemical literature, it’s easy to spot 2-Oxo-5-Benzoylthiophene as a recurring fingerprint in patent filings and synthesis papers. Its presence marks the boundary between pure research and applications that quickly move to scale-up and manufacturing. As with many raw chemicals, strict purchasing, transport, and storage controls keep it on the right side of regulations and safe for qualified users.
Supply and demand for 2-Oxo-5-Benzoylthiophene swing on how easily it can be sourced, how stringently it is regulated, and the readiness of suppliers to guarantee traceability. I have seen instances where minor shifts in regional regulation or shipping routes create bottlenecks, delaying R&D timelines. Focusing on local sourcing, broader distribution networks, and investing in more robust synthesis routes will improve access and price stability. Improving awareness around safe handling, investing in training, and pairing this with transparent documentation paves the way for safer and more effective use. For practitioners, keeping an eye on emerging toxicology studies, or post-market reports, remains important. With clear structure-property relationships, technical teams can tweak the molecule for broader solubility or reduced hazard, bringing better options to the market while still meeting strict performance metrics. Having people on the ground who understand both lab reality and commercial pressures creates a smoother, more resilient supply chain, which supports safer and more nimble products for years to come.
