For chemists and procurement specialists in the fine chemical industry, understanding the fundamental chemistry of key intermediates is crucial for informed purchasing decisions. 2,5-Dimethylbromobenzene (CAS 553-94-6) is one such compound, a brominated aromatic hydrocarbon that serves as a versatile building block in a multitude of organic synthesis pathways. As a prominent supplier of such materials, we aim to shed light on the chemical properties that make this compound so valuable for B2B applications.

Understanding the Molecular Structure and Reactivity

At its core, 2,5-Dimethylbromobenzene is a benzene ring substituted with two methyl groups at the 2 and 5 positions, and a bromine atom at the 1 position (relative to the methyl groups). This specific arrangement imparts distinct chemical characteristics. The bromine atom is susceptible to nucleophilic substitution and, more significantly, plays a pivotal role in palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. These reactions are workhorses in modern organic synthesis, enabling the formation of new carbon-carbon bonds with high efficiency and selectivity. When chemists decide to buy this intermediate, they are often leveraging its potential for these powerful transformations.

The presence of the two methyl groups also influences the compound's reactivity and physical properties. They provide steric bulk, which can sometimes direct reactions to specific sites or influence reaction rates. Furthermore, these methyl groups increase the electron density of the aromatic ring, potentially making it more reactive in electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions, though the bromine atom often dictates the primary reaction pathways for cross-coupling.

Key Chemical and Physical Properties

When evaluating 2,5-Dimethylbromobenzene from a manufacturer, several key properties are routinely assessed:

  • Appearance: It is typically described as a clear, colorless to light yellow liquid. This liquid form is generally easier to handle and meter accurately in industrial processes compared to solids.
  • Purity (Assay): As mentioned previously, a high purity level, often 98.0%min, is critical. This ensures that the intended reactions proceed as expected without interference from unwanted byproducts.
  • Boiling Point: With a boiling point around 199-201°C, it can be purified by distillation if necessary, and its relatively high boiling point contributes to its stability under typical storage conditions.
  • Density: A density of approximately 1.34 g/cm³ at 25°C provides useful information for volumetric calculations in manufacturing.

These properties collectively make 2,5-Dimethylbromobenzene an attractive choice for chemical synthesis, whether for producing fine chemicals, agrochemical intermediates, or even as a starting point for novel polymers.

Applications as a Synthesis Intermediate

The primary use of 2,5-Dimethylbromobenzene is as a synthesis material intermediate. It is frequently employed in:

  • Cross-Coupling Reactions: Such as Suzuki-Miyaura coupling (with boronic acids), Heck reaction (with alkenes), and Stille coupling (with organostannanes), to build more complex molecules.
  • Grignard Reagent Formation: The bromine can be converted into a Grignard reagent, which is a powerful nucleophile for forming new carbon-carbon bonds with carbonyl compounds and other electrophiles.
  • Synthesis of Specialty Chemicals: It can be a precursor for a range of specialty chemicals, including certain dyes, electronic materials, and advanced organic materials.

For businesses looking to purchase this compound, working with a reliable supplier in China like us ensures access to consistent quality and competitive prices. Our comprehensive understanding of its chemistry allows us to support your projects from initial inquiry to successful delivery.