Amines are foundational functional groups in organic chemistry, playing critical roles in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, polymers, and a myriad of other applications. The Hofmann rearrangement, a cornerstone reaction for converting amides to primary amines, has historically required harsh basic conditions. However, the advent of hypervalent iodine reagents, particularly Phenylbis(trifluoroacetato-O)iodine (PIFA), has revolutionized this process by enabling the reaction to proceed under significantly milder, acidic conditions. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. is proud to be a key supplier of PIFA, facilitating easier and more efficient amine synthesis for the global scientific community.

The advantage of using PIFA in the Hofmann rearrangement lies in its ability to achieve the necessary oxidation and rearrangement steps without the need for strong bases. This is particularly beneficial when dealing with substrates that are sensitive to alkaline environments or when aiming to minimize epimerization or other base-catalyzed side reactions. The reaction proceeds through an isocyanate intermediate, which is then hydrolyzed to the desired amine. The mild acidic environment maintained by PIFA ensures higher yields and purities of the target amines, making the overall process more robust and scalable. When seeking to purchase PIFA, consider its benefits for your amine synthesis projects.


The transformation of cyclobutanecarboxamide to cyclobutylamine is a well-documented example of PIFA's effectiveness in the Hofmann rearrangement. The primary amine is initially isolated as its trifluoroacetate salt, which can be readily converted to the hydrochloride salt for easier purification. This showcases the reagent's precision and control, which are essential for synthesizing amines for complex applications. The cost-effectiveness of using PIFA, especially when sourced from reliable manufacturers like NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD., further enhances its appeal for both laboratory-scale research and industrial production.

By providing access to PIFA, NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. empowers chemists to explore new frontiers in amine synthesis. Whether you are developing novel pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, or specialty materials, incorporating PIFA into your synthetic strategy can lead to more efficient, selective, and sustainable routes to your target molecules. Understanding the nuances of PIFA’s application in Hofmann rearrangements is a step towards optimizing your chemical processes.