For chemists, R&D professionals, and procurement specialists involved in fine chemical synthesis, understanding the intrinsic properties and synthetic routes of key intermediates is fundamental. 2,4-Dichloro-5-methylpyrimidine (CAS: 1780-31-0) is one such compound, a versatile pyrimidine derivative that serves as a crucial building block across various industries, notably pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. A detailed understanding of its chemistry allows for more effective utilization and strategic sourcing from reputable suppliers and manufacturers.

Physical and Chemical Properties

2,4-Dichloro-5-methylpyrimidine is characterized by its specific physical and chemical attributes, which dictate its handling, storage, and reactivity. Key properties include:

• Appearance: Typically described as a white to off-white crystalline solid or powder. Some sources also note it can appear as a low-melting solid or clear liquid depending on purity and ambient temperature.
• Melting Point: Reported in the range of 26-28 °C, indicating it may be a solid or just above room temperature. This low melting point is an important handling consideration.
• Boiling Point: Approximately 108-109 °C at 11 mmHg, providing data for distillation and purification processes.
• Density: Around 1.39 g/mL at 25 °C, useful for volume-to-mass calculations.
• Solubility: Soluble in common organic solvents such as chloroform, ether, ethyl acetate, and toluene, facilitating its use in solution-based reactions. It is less soluble in water.
• Reactivity: The presence of two chlorine atoms on the pyrimidine ring makes it susceptible to nucleophilic substitution reactions, a primary mechanism exploited in its synthetic applications. It is also noted as being lachrymatory, requiring appropriate safety precautions.

These properties are critical for anyone looking to buy or use this compound in their laboratory or manufacturing processes.

Synthesis of 2,4-Dichloro-5-methylpyrimidine

A common synthetic route for preparing 2,4-Dichloro-5-methylpyrimidine involves the chlorination of 5-methyluracil. A typical procedure involves reacting 5-methyluracil with a chlorinating agent, such as phosphorus oxychloride (POCl3), often in the presence of a tertiary amine or under reflux conditions. Following the reaction, the product is isolated through quenching with ice water, extraction into an organic solvent, drying, and solvent evaporation. Purification may involve crystallization or distillation. The yield and purity are influenced by reaction conditions and the quality of starting materials sourced from various manufacturers.

Importance for Buyers and Researchers

Understanding the chemistry of 2,4-Dichloro-5-methylpyrimidine empowers researchers to design novel synthetic pathways and allows procurement professionals to accurately assess product specifications when they purchase. Whether you are synthesizing novel pharmaceuticals or advanced agrochemicals, knowing the detailed properties and common synthesis routes ensures you are working with a reliable intermediate from a trusted supplier. The ability to buy this compound with guaranteed purity and timely delivery is key to driving scientific discovery and industrial production forward.