2,3,4-Trifluoro Nitro Benzene
A high-purity trifluorinated nitroaromatic supplied as a key intermediate in fluoroquinolone antibacterial manufacture and advanced fluorinated synthesis.
What is 2,3,4-Trifluoro Nitro Benzene?
2,3,4-Trifluoro Nitro Benzene — 234TFNB — is a light yellow to orange liquid carrying three fluorines on consecutive ring carbons alongside a nitro group. It is produced by halex fluorination of 2,3,4-trichloronitrobenzene with potassium fluoride.
It is a workhorse of fluoroquinolone chemistry. The nitro group activates the neighbouring fluorines toward selective nucleophilic displacement, and reduction of the nitro group gives 2,3,4-trifluoroaniline — both routes feeding the antibacterial families built on a trifluorinated core.
At Chelora Chemicals, 234TFNB is distilled to high assay with isomer content and moisture tightly controlled, at a quality suitable for regulated pharmaceutical intermediate supply.
- Appearance
- Light yellow to orange clear liquid
- Odour
- Faint aromatic
- Solubility
- Insoluble in water; soluble in most organic solvents
- Function
- Chemical intermediate
- Grade
- High purity / pharma intermediate
Formula diagram
Nitro group with three fluorines on consecutive ring carbons
- Molecular formulaC6H2F3NO2
- Molecular weight177.08 g/mol
- IUPAC name1,2,3-Trifluoro-4-nitrobenzene
- Functional groupsNitro, aryl fluoride
- CAS number771-69-7
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Chemicals' high-purity pharma-intermediate grade 2,3,4-Trifluoro Nitro Benzene. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | 2,3,4-Trifluoro Nitro Benzene |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | 234TFNB, 1,2,3-Trifluoro-4-nitrobenzene, 2,3,4-Trifluoronitrobenzene |
| CAS number | 771-69-7 |
| Molecular formula | C6H2F3NO2 |
| Molecular weight | 177.08 g/mol |
| Assay (GC purity) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance | Light yellow to orange clear liquid |
| Density (25°C) | 1.535–1.550 g/cm³ |
| Boiling point | 92°C at 20 mmHg |
| Flash point | 93°C (closed cup) |
| Refractive index (20°C) | 1.490–1.494 |
| Water content | ≤ 0.1% |
| Packaging | 50 kg & 200 kg drums |
| Shelf life | 24 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of 2,3,4-Trifluoro Nitro Benzene
Fluoroquinolone antibacterials
A recognised starting material in the synthesis of third-generation quinolone antibacterial drugs.
2,3,4-Trifluoroaniline route
Reduced to the corresponding aniline for further pharmaceutical elaboration.
Nucleophilic substitution routes
Amines and alkoxides displace the activated fluorines selectively to build substituted intermediates.
Agrochemical intermediates
Introduces a trifluorinated aromatic fragment into crop-protection actives.
Fluorinated dyes & materials
Applied in specialty fluorinated dye and material synthesis.
Custom synthesis
Supplied as a contract manufacturing and development building block.
Why choose Chelora Chemicals
Every batch of 2,3,4-Trifluoro Nitro Benzene is manufactured, tested, and documented to a standard that formulators and process chemists can build on with confidence — from first sample to full production volume.
Consistent purity
GC assay controlled at ≥99% with isomer content and low moisture verified before dispatch.
Full documentation
COA, SDS, and regulatory data supplied with every shipment.
Flexible volumes
From 50 kg drums to 200 kg drums, with samples for development and qualification work.
Technical support
Process, handling, and compliance guidance from our chemistry team.
Storage and guidelines
- 01Store in tightly sealed original containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated store.
- 02Keep away from heat, sparks, open flame, and direct sunlight.
- 03Protect from moisture, which reduces yield in downstream substitution chemistry.
- 04Segregate from strong bases, amines, reducing agents, and strong oxidising agents.
- 05Use compatible containers: glass, stainless steel, or lined steel; blanket with nitrogen where practical.
- 06Bund all bulk storage and prevent release to drains, surface water, or soil.
Handling precautions
234TFNB is harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or in contact with skin, and causes skin and eye irritation. It is for industrial use by trained personnel only.
Nitroaromatics are absorbed through intact skin and can affect the blood by forming methaemoglobin. Chemical-resistant gloves, coveralls, and eye protection are required.
Reaction with amines and other nucleophiles is exothermic and can accelerate sharply at scale. Substitution chemistry using this product needs its own thermal risk assessment and controlled addition.
Nitroaromatics can decompose exothermically at elevated temperature, and contact with strong bases or reducing agents can be violent. Avoid overheating during drying or distillation.
Refer to the full Safety Data Sheet for exposure limits, fire-fighting measures, spill response, and first-aid information before use.
Frequently asked questions
What is 2,3,4-Trifluoro Nitro Benzene used for?
It is a pharmaceutical intermediate, best known as a starting material in fluoroquinolone antibacterial synthesis. It is also reduced to 2,3,4-trifluoroaniline and used in agrochemical and specialty material routes.
How is 234TFNB manufactured?
By halex fluorination: 2,3,4-trichloronitrobenzene is heated with potassium fluoride in a polar aprotic solvent such as DMSO, and fluoride displaces the activated chlorines. Both the substrate and the fluoride are supplied in this range.
Why is the boiling point quoted under vacuum?
Because it is distilled under reduced pressure. The published figure is 92°C at 20 mmHg; distilling at atmospheric pressure would require temperatures at which nitroaromatics risk exothermic decomposition.
Which fluorine reacts first with a nucleophile?
The ones ortho and para to the nitro group are most activated, so displacement is regioselective rather than random. Controlling which position reacts is exactly what makes this substrate useful in a multi-step route.
Why is water content specified tightly?
Residual water competes with the intended nucleophile and consumes base in substitution chemistry, cutting yield. In a regulated pharmaceutical route that variability is not acceptable.
Is it soluble in water?
No. It is practically insoluble in water and readily soluble in DMF, DMSO, acetonitrile, THF, and aromatic solvents.
What purity do you supply?
Standard grade is supplied at a minimum GC assay of 99% with water content at or below 0.1%. Tighter isomer, metals, and colour specifications can be manufactured for regulated pharmaceutical intermediate supply.
What packaging sizes are available?
50 kg and 200 kg drums, with laboratory and pilot samples available for development and qualification work.
What are the main process safety concerns?
Substitution with amines is exothermic and can run away if addition is too fast at scale, and nitroaromatics can decompose exothermically if overheated. Both need documented thermal assessment before scale-up.
Can you supply to a regulated pharmaceutical specification?
Yes. Isomer limits, residual solvent, metals, and colour can be tightened to a customer specification sheet, with the analytical documentation required for qualification.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis?
Yes. Every batch is dispatched with a Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet covering GC assay, refractive index, density, water content, and appearance.