2-Phenylimidazole is a chemical compound known for its versatility in a range of industrial and scientific applications. The molecular formula of C9H8N2 describes its build: a phenyl group joined to an imidazole ring. This structure gives it unique chemical behavior, and I’ve seen many chemists appreciate the balance it strikes between being reactive enough to participate in complex reactions and stable enough for practical handling. People typically find it in the form of a solid, and its appearance can vary from off-white flakes to crystalline powder, depending on purity and preparation method. In laboratories, this compound does not go unnoticed, because its density of about 1.14 g/cm³ makes it easy to handle in both small-scale reactions and broader production settings.
A closer inspection shows that 2-Phenylimidazole has a melting point ranging from 144 to 148°C, which tells you it keeps its form under normal temperature conditions and only transitions to a liquid when exposed to significant heat. Its crystalline or powdery form feels familiar to those who work with aromatic chemicals and synthetic imidazole derivatives. When you dissolve this compound, you need solvents like ethanol, acetone, or DMF; it resists breaking down in water, hinting at its underlying non-polar characteristics brought by the phenyl ring. Handling pure material, you notice a faint odor, typical of aromatic imidazoles, but nothing especially overpowering. In liquid form, usually as a solution, technicians and researchers can measure concentrations with precision, whether in monitoring the progress of a chemical synthesis or blending for specific reactivity in a formulation.
The molecular structure of 2-Phenylimidazole centers on its two-ring system: the imidazole ring, recognized for its critical role in pharmaceuticals and organometallic chemistry, and the attached phenyl group. Looking at its structure gives you hints about its reactivity—it can coordinate with metals, act as a base, and get involved in condensation reactions. The presence of nitrogen in the ring often means a wide range of synthetic uses and derivative possibilities. Chemically, people take interest in the positions of nitrogen atoms, both for the range of hydrogen bonding options and the way it influences the acidity of the remaining hydrogens on the ring.
In trade and logistics, 2-Phenylimidazole is listed under the Harmonized System (HS) code 2933, which groups it with heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only. This classification impacts tariffs, customs clearance, and cross-border movement, especially for businesses in specialty chemical raw materials. Supply chain managers look out for HS 2933 when sourcing or shipping, as this directly affects import costs and international regulation adherence. As a raw material, 2-Phenylimidazole finds its way into the synthesis of adhesives, flame retardants, corrosion inhibitors, and even pharmaceuticals. I remember a manufacturer mentioning the jump in demand following innovations in epoxy hardeners, since this compound forms a core ingredient in high-performance resin systems.
Depending on the process, you might see 2-Phenylimidazole packaged as loose powder, dense flakes, crystalline solids, or sometimes pearls for bulk handling. In powder or flake form, the compound flows easily and pours without clumping, a trait that makes it especially valuable in automated dosing. Crystals, on the other hand, appeal to researchers seeking to characterize structure by X-ray diffraction. Pearls and pellets give more precise mass control during large-scale manufacturing, such as in polymer curing or resin production. Chemical suppliers also sell it dissolved in organic solvents when customers need to avoid dust formation or ensure exact concentrations for solution-phase chemistry.
Density of 2-Phenylimidazole, measured at roughly 1.14 g/cm³, matches expectations for aromatic heterocycles, and knowing this number speeds up tasks from weighing out batches to filling containers. Its solubility properties become especially important in formulation work. Given its low solubility in water, formulations are better prepared in polar organic solvents, ensuring effective dispersion in paints, adhesives, and other specialty coatings. Handling it as a powder demands care, as airborne particles can form when transferred between containers, requiring dust extraction systems or localized ventilation in larger operations.
From a safety perspective, 2-Phenylimidazole is classified as harmful but not acutely toxic in common use scenarios. Skin and eye contact cause mild to moderate irritation, so gloves and goggles matter in both research and industrial settings. Long-term exposure, especially in areas lacking good ventilation, creates inhalation hazards; safety data sheets call for masks or respirators for heavy users. The compound shows little flammability under normal conditions but can break down at high temperatures to release hazardous fumes. Storage guidelines focus on keeping it dry, cool, and tightly sealed, away from incompatible chemicals such as strong acids or oxidizing agents.
Workshops and chemical plants select 2-Phenylimidazole as a trusted intermediate, whether the goal is pharmaceuticals, specialty polymers, or advanced coatings. Its utility comes from both its molecular backbone and consistent physical form—be it powder, flakes, or solution. In my own projects, substituting this compound for analogs often means gaining improved shelf life, more predictable reactivity, and easier logistics. As new uses for imidazole derivatives keep turning up in everything from green chemistry catalysts to smart adhesives, demand for well-characterized, high-quality raw material remains steady.
