2-Thiopheneethanol stands out as a key organic compound joining the thiophene family. You find its structure built with a thiophene ring—a five-member aromatic ring with sulfur—linked to an ethanol group (-CH2CH2OH). The look and feel of this material often reflect a colorless to light-yellow liquid, but depending on storage, it can appear as an oilier, more viscous substance. Used broadly as an intermediate in chemical synthesis, it helps researchers and manufacturers shape dyes, pharmaceuticals, flavors, and agricultural products.
Dive into the details and you'll see the molecular formula: C6H8OS. Its molecular weight clocks in at about 128.19 g/mol. The backbone centers on the thiophene ring, which brings aromatic stability with its pi-electron system. Attach an ethanol chain at the 2- position, and you get a molecule ready to lend itself to functionalizations—an essential property in making derivatives. Strong sulfur-oxygen bonds play a key role in its stable and moderately polar character, which boosts its solubility in a broad spectrum of organic solvents and sometimes water.
2-Thiopheneethanol most frequently presents as a transparent liquid under room conditions, but handling over time might produce small crystals or a slightly yellow tint. Its melting point sits below room temperature, while its boiling point hovers near 230°C. You might notice a density of 1.146 g/cm3, offering more heft than many typical organics. This compound radiates a faint, but characteristic, odor that often signals the presence of sulfur-containing molecules. Rarely, you'll see it in solid forms like powder or pearls, especially if stored under cool temperatures, though the liquid phase dominates practical use.
If you check supply catalogs, the material often comes in sealed bottles ranging from 100 mL up to several liters. Purity typically scores at above 98%, sometimes boosted higher for specialized synthesis with GC or NMR certification. HS Code for customs reference sits at 2934.99, capturing heterocyclic compounds with oxygen and sulfur. You’ll spot batch testing for appearance, GC purity, water content, and sometimes refractive index or density. All this ensures that chemists receive a material ready for precision work.
Raw material sourcing draws on thiophene chemistry—an arena that’s rich in both traditional and green synthetic methods. Aromatic substitution offers pathways to fundamental intermediates or direct ethanol attachment, taking cues from both classic laboratory techniques and large-scale industrial flow chemistry. The chemical world sees 2-Thiopheneethanol as a reliable starting group for cross-coupling reactions, esterifications, and the construction of sulfur-rich ligands. In pharmaceuticals, it often crops up as a core unit in synthetic routes; in flavors, it mimics sulfurous, roasted, or slightly nutty notes.
Anyone working with 2-Thiopheneethanol ought to show respect for its chemical potential. The compound causes irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract after extended exposure. Spill some, and you immediately notice a sharp, unpleasant aroma hinting at underlying volatility. It doesn’t rank among the most hazardous lab chemicals, but storage calls for tight caps, well-ventilated spaces, and a healthy distance from oxidizing agents. MSDS sheets highlight flammability at higher temperatures and recommend gloves, goggles, and careful pipetting.
Think about disposal and you have to weigh the persistence of sulfur in aquatic or soil environments. While not a heavy persistent organic pollutant, carelessness can still send unwanted compounds downstream. Labs or plants funnel small waste portions to approved chemical disposal services. Transport falls under broader rules for organic chemicals but doesn't usually get special hazardous labelling unless in large-scale drums.
The molecule quietly powers many breakthroughs behind the scenes. Synthesis of custom drugs and novel materials begins with seemingly simple blocks like this ethanol derivative. The presence of both a reactive hydroxyl and aromatic sulfur gives chemists a toolkit for innovation, not just a source of ethanol but a sui generis platform for substitution, oxidation or coupling. You see its molecular fingerprint in electronic materials, sensors, and targeted agrochemical syntheses.
