2-Oxythiophene steps into the spotlight as a compound rooted in the thiophene family, marked by its unique oxygen atom substituting one position in the ring. The formula C4H4OS points toward a structure that’s both complex and practical, serving as more than just an academic curiosity. 2-Oxythiophene behaves as a crucial raw material in both organic synthesis and advanced material science, showing up in research labs, pilot projects, and specialty chemical production. The compound stands out with a molecular weight of 100.14 g/mol. While that number might blend into tables for some, it gives researchers and chemists a sense of its reactivity and behavior, especially when loaded into glassware or pumped through analytical columns.
The stretchiest advantage 2-Oxythiophene holds lies in its five-membered aromatic ring where a sulfur atom sits across from an oxygen atom. Unlike more stubborn solids, it usually appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid. Some batches, depending on storage and exposure, look a little darker, catching the light in glass vials. Density hovers close to 1.25 g/cm³ at room temperature, making it easier to handle than many heavier specialty chemicals. The melting point tends to run low, so there’s little risk of crystallization under normal storage. The boiling point stretches upward past 120°C, allowing distillation in lab settings without fancy equipment. Chemically, 2-Oxythiophene carries a mild odor—detectable, sometimes persistent, yet not overwhelming compared to other thiophene derivatives.
This compound doesn't come in a one-size-fits-all package. In solid form, it appears as shiny flakes or compressed powder, but most suppliers deal with it as a liquid, stored in tightly sealed amber bottles to reduce oxidation. Some applications rely on tiny crystalline pearls where higher purity or controlled dosing becomes key. Bulk shipments move in drums or stainless steel canisters, while research labs order it in glass ampoules. Companies who need a consistent feedstock often specify their needs in grams or liters, chasing after just the right concentration for each process, from polymerization experiments to new electronics prototypes.
For shipping and trade, it falls under the HS Code 293419, covering heterocyclic compounds with oxygen and sulfur. This code carries importance for taxes, customs, and safe transport regulations between countries. Buyers will look for CAS Number 1192-43-6 and UN Number 3265, proving once again that paperwork and safety data sheets matter just as much as a clean reaction flask. I’ve watched chemists scan these numbers before even popping the caps, checking that their bottles match the purchase order and regulatory expectations.
People working with 2-Oxythiophene need a healthy respect for its chemical risks. It carries enough volatility to demand good ventilation, with low-level vapors sometimes irritating the respiratory tract. Contact with skin leaves a lingering smell and may spark mild irritation, especially on sensitive skin. The compound does not rise to the level of acutely toxic, yet chronic exposure—especially in unventilated areas—poses health risks over time. Eye protection, gloves, and lab coats cut down on direct contact. Spilled liquid needs cleaning right away because it stains surfaces and adds unnecessary fumes to the workspace. Those handling raw materials for chemical synthesis appreciate a clean Material Safety Data Sheet, which spells out maximum exposure levels, safe storage temperatures, and fire risks.
2-Oxythiophene finds its way into a long list of projects. Researchers in organic chemistry rely on its electron-rich ring when aiming to build complex molecules for medicine, new materials, and functional coatings. Electronics manufacturers saw the advantages early, folding 2-Oxythiophene into the production of semiconductors and conductive polymers. The oxygen atom makes it more reactive than its parent molecule, opening doors to new coupling reactions that plain thiophene can’t manage. Each property—boiling point, stability, solubility—matters when scaling up from experiments to industrial reactors.
While not classed among the most hazardous chemicals, any release into the environment poses cleanup challenges. Water contamination can stress aquatic life, and improper burning releases both sulfur oxides and organic residues. Disposal needs careful control, meaning only licensed waste handlers should process leftovers or byproducts. Treating the compound carelessly leads to regulatory fines and unnecessary chemical hazards for anyone nearby.
Any company, research group, or academic lab can manage these risks by leaning on simple routines: keep containers sealed, store away from direct sunlight, document every transfer, and review safety records. There’s real value in briefing new team members before they start pouring or weighing 2-Oxythiophene. Local environmental rules take a front seat, especially when handling liters at a time rather than milligrams. As global rules tighten around specialty chemicals, people on the ground—managers, operators, and chemists—play the biggest role in turning a potentially harmful reagent into a safe, productive tool for discovery and innovation.
