For Research and Development chemists, access to reliable and well-characterized chemical building blocks is fundamental to the discovery and synthesis of novel compounds. 3-(Chloromethyl)benzonitrile (CAS 64407-07-4) is one such crucial intermediate, offering significant potential in various synthetic pathways, particularly within the pharmaceutical industry. As a dedicated supplier of high-quality chemical intermediates, we aim to provide chemists with the resources they need.

Understanding the Chemistry: Properties of 3-(Chloromethyl)benzonitrile

3-(Chloromethyl)benzonitrile, also known as 3-Cyanobenzyl chloride, presents a unique combination of functional groups. Its molecular formula is C8H6ClN, with a molecular weight of approximately 151.59 g/mol. Typically supplied with a purity of 97% minimum, it is often found as a white to pale yellow powder or crystalline solid. The key to its synthetic utility lies in the electrophilic nature of the benzylic carbon atom, activated by the chlorine atom, making it readily susceptible to nucleophilic attack. The presence of the nitrile group offers further opportunities for functional group interconversion, such as hydrolysis to a carboxylic acid or reduction to an amine.

Synthetic Applications and Potential

  • Building Complex Scaffolds: The chloromethyl group can be displaced by various nucleophiles (e.g., alcohols, amines, thiols, carboxylates, stabilized carbanions) to create new carbon-heteroatom or carbon-carbon bonds. This is invaluable for constructing complex molecular frameworks.
  • Pharmaceutical Intermediates: A significant application of 3-(Chloromethyl)benzonitrile is its role as a pharmaceutical raw intermediate. Many drug molecules contain benzyl ether, benzylamine, or related linkages, which can be efficiently synthesized using this compound. If your research involves synthesizing novel drug candidates, consider purchasing this intermediate from a trusted supplier to ensure the integrity of your work.
  • Derivatization: The nitrile group can be modified to introduce further chemical diversity. For example, it can be hydrolyzed to a 3-(chloromethyl)benzoic acid, which can then be used in esterification or amidation reactions.
  • Screening Libraries: As a versatile building block, it is also useful for generating compound libraries for high-throughput screening in drug discovery programs.

Sourcing for Your Research Needs

When you need to buy 3-(Chloromethyl)benzonitrile for your R&D projects, partnering with a reliable manufacturer is crucial. We offer this intermediate with guaranteed quality and purity, ensuring it meets your demanding research requirements. We encourage R&D chemists to request our product catalog and inquire about sample availability or bulk purchase options. Our commitment as a leading supplier means providing the tools you need to drive innovation in chemistry.