12Difluorobenzene

12Difluorobenzene, commonly written as 1,2-difluorobenzene, is an aromatic compound in which two hydrogen atoms on adjacent carbons of a benzene ring are replaced by fluorine atoms. It represents the ortho isomer of difluorobenzene and is one of three positional isomers, the others being 1,3- and 1,4-difluorobenzene. Its molecular formula is C6H4F2 and the molecular weight is about 114.09 g/mol.

The molecule consists of a planar benzene ring with two C–F bonds at adjacent positions. The fluorine substituents influence reactivity by slightly deactivating the ring toward electrophilic attack while directing further substitutions to the ortho and para positions relative to the fluorines.

Synthesis methods vary; typical routes include difluorination of benzene under strong fluorinating conditions or selective transformation of fluorobenzene derivatives with reagents that install a second fluorine atom at the neighboring position. The choice of method depends on available precursors and the desired isomeric outcome.

Uses of 1,2-difluorobenzene center on its role as a building block for difluorinated aryl compounds. It is used in organic synthesis to prepare pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials through reactions such as cross-coupling and nucleophilic substitution on activated rings.

Safety: Difluorobenzenes are handled under standard laboratory safety practices. Fluorinated aromatics can release corrosive hydrogen fluoride if degraded, so appropriate containment, ventilation, and personal protective equipment should be used.