4-Bromophenylacetic acid NEW

4-Bromophenylacetic acid is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₈H₇BrO₂. Its structure consists of:

Phenyl ring: A benzene ring.

4-Bromo substituent: A bromine atom attached to the para position (opposite side) of the ring.

Acetic acid group: A -CH₂COOH group attached directly to the benzene ring.

Key Characteristics:

• Appearance: Typically a white to off-white crystalline solid.

• Molecular Weight: 215.05 g/mol.

• CAS Number: 1878-68-8.

• Melting Point: ~115-118 °C.

• Acidity: Behaves as a typical carboxylic acid (can form salts, esters, amides).

Primary Uses (Building Block):
It serves as a versatile synthetic intermediate in organic chemistry, particularly for:

Pharmaceuticals: Synthesis of drug candidates (e.g., some anti-inflammatory agents).

Agrochemicals: Production of pesticides or herbicides.

Liquid Crystals & Materials Science: Building block for more complex molecules.

Coupling Reactions: The bromine atom readily participates in reactions like Suzuki-Miyaura coupling to form new carbon-carbon bonds, attaching other aryl/heteroaryl groups.

Derivatization: The carboxylic acid group can be easily modified (e.g., to esters, amides, or reduced).

Safety: It is generally classified as corrosive and an irritant (skin, eyes, respiratory system). Proper handling (gloves, goggles, fume hood) is essential.

In short: It's a brominated aromatic carboxylic acid used mainly as a starting material or intermediate for synthesizing more complex molecules in research and industry.