2,6-Difluorobenzonitrile
A high-purity fluorinated aromatic nitrile supplied for benzoylurea insecticide manufacture, pharmaceutical intermediates, and high-performance polymer synthesis.
What is 2,6-Difluorobenzonitrile?
2,6-Difluorobenzonitrile — 26DFBN — is a white low-melting solid that is liquid in a warm store. It carries a nitrile group flanked by fluorine atoms on both adjacent ring carbons.
The molecule offers two independent points of attack. The nitrile can be hydrolysed to the amide or acid, giving the 2,6-difluorobenzamide used across the benzoylurea insecticide family. Separately, the two ortho fluorines are activated by the nitrile toward nucleophilic displacement, which is the basis of its use as a monomer in high-performance polymer synthesis.
At Chelora Chemicals, 26DFBN is refined to high assay with isomer content and moisture controlled, since both downstream routes are sensitive to impurities carried in from this stage.
- Appearance
- White low-melting solid or clear liquid
- Odour
- Faint aromatic
- Solubility
- Slightly soluble in water; soluble in polar organic solvents
- Function
- Chemical intermediate / monomer
- Grade
- High purity
Formula diagram
Nitrile group flanked by fluorine on both adjacent positions
- Molecular formulaC7H3F2N
- Molecular weight139.10 g/mol
- IUPAC name2,6-Difluorobenzonitrile
- Functional groupsNitrile, aryl fluoride
- CAS number1897-52-5
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Chemicals' high-purity intermediate 2,6-Difluorobenzonitrile. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | 2,6-Difluorobenzonitrile |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | 26DFBN, 2,6-Difluorocyanobenzene, 2,6-DFBN |
| CAS number | 1897-52-5 |
| Molecular formula | C7H3F2N |
| Molecular weight | 139.10 g/mol |
| Assay (GC purity) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance | White low-melting solid or clear liquid |
| Melting point | 22–25°C |
| Boiling point | 196–199°C |
| Flash point | > 90°C (closed cup) |
| Isomer content | ≤ 0.5% |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.1% |
| Packaging | 25 kg & 200 kg drums |
| Shelf life | 24 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of 2,6-Difluorobenzonitrile
Benzoylurea insecticides
Hydrolysed to 2,6-difluorobenzamide, the acyl component of the benzoylurea insect growth regulator family.
Agrochemical intermediates
Feeds crop-protection synthesis requiring a difluorinated benzoyl fragment.
High-performance polymers
Used as a monomer where the activated fluorines are displaced by bisphenolates to build rigid polymer backbones.
Pharmaceutical intermediates
Provides a fluorinated nitrile core for API and development compound synthesis.
Heterocyclic synthesis
The nitrile is converted into tetrazoles, amidines, and related nitrogen heterocycles.
Custom synthesis
Supplied as a research and contract manufacturing building block.
Why choose Chelora Chemicals
Every batch of 2,6-Difluorobenzonitrile 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 25 kg drums to 200 kg drums, with laboratory samples for development 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.
- 02Expect the product to solidify below about 22°C; warm gently and evenly before transfer.
- 03Protect from moisture — the nitrile hydrolyses slowly in the presence of water and acid or base.
- 04Keep away from heat, sparks, open flame, and direct sunlight.
- 05Segregate from strong acids, strong bases, and strong oxidising agents.
- 06Use compatible containers: glass, stainless steel, or lined steel.
Handling precautions
26DFBN 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.
Aromatic nitriles can release hydrogen cyanide on decomposition at high temperature or in a fire. Fire-fighters require full breathing apparatus, and overheating must be avoided in any drying or distillation step.
Hydrolysis of the nitrile with strong acid or base is exothermic and generates heat and pressure. It requires controlled addition, cooling, and appropriate relief provision.
Warming solidified material should be done with controlled, even heating rather than a localised high-temperature source.
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 2,6-Difluorobenzonitrile used for?
Two main routes. Hydrolysed, it becomes 2,6-difluorobenzamide for benzoylurea insecticides. Used directly, its activated fluorines make it a monomer for high-performance polymers. It also serves pharmaceutical and heterocyclic synthesis.
Why are the fluorines reactive in this molecule?
The nitrile group withdraws electron density and activates the ortho positions toward nucleophilic aromatic substitution. That is why bisphenolates displace the fluorines cleanly in polymer synthesis, which they could not do on an unactivated ring.
What are benzoylurea insecticides?
A family of insect growth regulators that interfere with chitin formation during moulting. Many are built from a 2,6-difluorobenzoyl fragment, which is what makes this nitrile a high-volume agrochemical intermediate.
Is it a liquid or a solid?
It depends on the temperature. The melting point is around 22–25°C, so drums may arrive solid in a cool store and liquid in a warm one. Warm gently and evenly before transfer.
Why is moisture controlled?
The nitrile hydrolyses slowly in the presence of water, particularly with acid or base present, which erodes assay over time and can complicate downstream stoichiometry.
Is it soluble in water?
Only slightly. It dissolves readily in acetone, acetonitrile, DMF, DMSO, and most polar organic solvents used for substitution and hydrolysis chemistry.
What safety concern is specific to nitriles?
On decomposition at high temperature or in a fire, aromatic nitriles can release hydrogen cyanide. This makes overheating during drying or distillation a genuine hazard and requires full breathing apparatus for fire response.
What purity do you supply?
Standard grade is supplied at a minimum GC assay of 99% with isomer content at or below 0.5% and moisture at or below 0.1%. Tighter specifications can be manufactured for polymer or pharmaceutical use.
What packaging sizes are available?
25 kg and 200 kg drums, with laboratory and pilot samples available for development and qualification work.
How should it be stored?
In sealed original containers in a cool, dry, ventilated store, protected from moisture and segregated from strong acids and bases. Shelf life is 24 months under these conditions.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis?
Yes. Every batch is dispatched with a Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet covering GC assay, isomer content, melting range, moisture, and appearance.