Accurate characterization of chemical compounds is paramount for ensuring purity and understanding molecular structure, especially for intermediates used in critical applications like pharmaceuticals and advanced materials. 3-Fluorothiophene-2-carboxylic acid (CAS: 32431-84-8) can be definitively identified and analyzed using a suite of spectroscopic techniques. As a dedicated manufacturer and supplier, NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. relies on these methods to guarantee the quality of our products. This article explores the key spectroscopic signatures of this versatile compound.

The molecule's unique combination of a thiophene ring, a fluorine atom, and a carboxylic acid group leads to distinctive patterns across various spectroscopic analyses. These techniques not only confirm the compound's identity but also provide insights into its electronic structure and purity, which are vital for its application as a pharmaceutical intermediate or material precursor.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy

NMR is a cornerstone of molecular characterization. For 3-Fluorothiophene-2-carboxylic acid:

  • ¹H NMR: The spectrum will reveal distinct signals for the protons on the thiophene ring and the acidic proton of the carboxylic acid group. The carboxylic acid proton typically appears as a broad singlet at a low field (around 10.7 ppm). The thiophene protons (H-4 and H-5) exhibit characteristic coupling patterns influenced by each other and the fluorine atom, providing definitive proof of the substitution pattern.
  • ¹³C NMR: This technique identifies the carbon framework. The carbonyl carbon of the carboxylic acid is observed at a highly deshielded region. The carbon directly bonded to fluorine (C-3) shows a significant one-bond ¹³C-¹⁹F coupling, and other ring carbons exhibit smaller couplings, aiding in signal assignment.
  • ¹⁹F NMR: This is particularly useful for directly probing the fluorine atom. The ¹⁹F NMR spectrum will show a distinct signal for the fluorine substituent, with its chemical shift influenced by the surrounding electronic environment of the thiophene ring.

These NMR data are critical for confirming the structure and purity. Sourcing from a reliable chemical manufacturer ensures you receive material with well-characterized NMR profiles.

Infrared (IR) and Raman Spectroscopy

Vibrational spectroscopy provides information about the functional groups present:

  • IR Spectroscopy: Key absorptions will include the broad O-H stretching band of the hydrogen-bonded carboxylic acid (2500-3300 cm⁻¹) and the strong C=O stretching band (1700-1725 cm⁻¹). The C-F stretching vibration typically appears in the 1000-1400 cm⁻¹ range.
  • Raman Spectroscopy: Complements IR by highlighting vibrations that are strong in Raman, such as aromatic ring C-C stretches and C=O stretches.

These vibrational modes are characteristic fingerprints of the molecule's functional groups.

Mass Spectrometry (MS)

Mass spectrometry determines the molecular weight and provides structural information through fragmentation patterns:

  • The molecular ion peak (M⁺) will correspond to the molecular weight of 3-Fluorothiophene-2-carboxylic acid (146.14 g/mol).
  • Fragmentation patterns can include the loss of OH (M-17) or COOH (M-45) from the carboxylic acid group, as is typical for carboxylic acids.

For accurate and reliable use in synthesis, it is crucial to obtain this intermediate from a trusted chemical supplier. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. ensures high-quality materials with comprehensive characterization data. If you need to purchase this chemical, contact us for a quote and to learn more about our quality assurance processes.