Α-Phenyl-1H-Benzimidazole-2-Methanol stands as a solid chemical compound recognized by its layered, crystal-like appearance. Its molecular nature ties back to its structure: a benzimidazole ring system paired with a phenyl group, linked to a methanol unit. This combination gives the material both its physical resilience and its versatility. Experts classify it as an organic heterocycle with a significant phenyl-rich backbone, which influences both its reactivity and interaction with other substances. The unique structure makes it distinct among benzimidazoles, pushing its application beyond ordinary boundaries.
This compound usually appears as a white or off-white solid, often forming powder, fine flakes, or even tiny pearls depending on processing techniques. It tends to resist melting, showing a stable crystalline state under ordinary storage conditions. Density sits near the standard for aromatic compounds, typically measured in grams per cubic centimeter, falling around 1.2 to 1.4 g/cm3. Some uses call for a solution form; it dissolves reliably in polar solvents like ethanol, methanol, or dimethyl sulfoxide. Purity matters, especially for material used in research or pharmaceutical environments, so standard practice calls for narrow specification ranges, often above 98% on an HPLC or GC analysis, with other chemical residues minimized. This attention to purity supports consistent performance, as impurities can throw off intended chemical outcomes.
At the heart lies a fused benzimidazole ring system, with a phenyl ring at the alpha position and a methanol group at the 2-position. The formula: C14H12N2O. Each atom placement in the structure matters, affecting not only the types of reactions possible but also solubility, crystalline structure, impurity profiles, and environmental behavior. Molecular weight checks in at about 224 grams per mole, which gives a sense of the dosing and scaling needed for various research or production processes. The arrangement of phenyl and benzimidazole promotes chemical stability, important for storage and shipping.
Α-Phenyl-1H-Benzimidazole-2-Methanol fits the customs code for aromatic heterocyclic compounds, often falling under HS Code 2933.39.90. This helps with international trade and ensures compliance with global labeling and documentation standards. As a raw material, the compound enters the pipeline across pharmaceutical synthesis, specialty chemical production, and advanced material research. Its presence in high-value synthesis traces back to its core structure, granting reactivity with various alkylating agents, acids, or even more sophisticated reagents used in medicinal chemistry labs.
As a raw chemical, it is mostly offered as a solid. Handling practices in labs and factories favor powder and flake forms for easier scaling and measurement. Sometimes suppliers offer pearls—small, bead-like grains—to cut down dust and improve flow in automated feeders. Rarely, specialty applications call for crystal- or even liquid-dissolved forms, in which careful solvent choice matches both stability and downstream reactivity. In liquid form, precise concentration and storage make all the difference, protecting against sudden loss of potency or unwanted degradation.
Like most benzimidazole-based chemicals, Α-Phenyl-1H-Benzimidazole-2-Methanol asks for careful handling. Despite the stable macrostructure, the presence of aromatic rings and nitrogen atoms means one cannot rule out photoreactivity or mild irritant effects, particularly in powder form. Material Safety Data Sheets commonly flag this compound as potentially harmful upon inhalation, ingestion, or significant dermal exposure. Handling must happen with reliable gloves, protective eyewear, and incident containment. Work in fume hoods reduces inhalation risk. Spilled powder responds to damp cloth or vacuum cleanup, not dry sweeping, to cut accidental inhalation or spread. Disposal walks a fine regulatory line; most jurisdictions view it as hazardous waste, assigning tracking numbers for cradle-to-grave stewardship. Environmental release endangers aquatic systems, given the persistent aromatic structure and nitrogen content.
Industries reach for Α-Phenyl-1H-Benzimidazole-2-Methanol because of its chemical backbone. In pharmaceuticals, the benzimidazole structure turns up in profiling hits for enzyme modulation, anti-infective designs, and cancer research scaffolds. The phenyl group attached at the alpha position pushes small changes in lipophilicity and binding affinity, making the difference between dead-end analogs and breakthrough candidates. Material scientists find value in its oxidation resistance and ability to donate or accept hydrogen bonds, nudging new polymer blends and coatings toward higher performance. Its role as a starting material ripples far downstream, shaping whole classes of products and applications.
Having worked in academic and small-scale R&D settings, I have seen Α-Phenyl-1H-Benzimidazole-2-Methanol play both obvious and unexpected roles. In catalysis experiments, reliability often came down to the purity and physical form supplied by the vendor. Solid powder made weighing direct, but micro-flakes clumped with humidity, calling for desiccator storage and extra attention to batch records. In one case, a colleague overlooked a small change in bulk density across two shipments—an error that forced recalibration and cost our team a week. The crystalline nature also posed challenges during attempts at recrystallization, with careful solvent selection needed to avoid unwanted polymorphs. We logged every observation on solubility and stability, knowing that tiny changes in these raw materials could upend the reliability of downstream results. Over time, consistent habits and thorough supplier vetting made a world of difference.
Better outcomes with this compound start with clarity: always review the latest chemical safety and handling data, not just the technical sheet but the extended Material Safety Data Sheet and supplier notes. Lab managers should prioritize training on personal protective equipment, practical hygiene standards, spill response, and correct waste segregation. For industrial settings, installing local exhaust ventilation limits airborne exposure and reduces risk. Investment in high-quality packaging from reputable suppliers limits accidental contamination and surprises in material handling. Keeping clear batch records and cross-referencing purity specs with independent lab checks serves not just compliance but the reliability of every subsequent project. Ultimately, practical respect for the chemical’s strengths and risks means safer labs, more predictable production, and smoother regulatory navigation.
