2Aminobenzaldehyde

2-Aminobenzaldehyde, also known as o-aminobenzaldehyde, is an aromatic aldehyde in which a primary amine substituent occupies the ortho position relative to the formyl group on a benzene ring. Its molecular formula is C7H7NO. The molecule contains both an aldehyde and an amine, enabling a range of condensation and coupling reactions, including Schiff base formation and various imine chemistries. It typically appears as a crystalline solid and is soluble in many organic solvents, with limited solubility in water. The compound is handled as an irritant under standard laboratory safety practices.

Synthesis and sources: A common laboratory route is the catalytic hydrogenation of 2-nitrobenzaldehyde to give 2-aminobenzaldehyde. Other routes involve reduction of nitro- or nitroso- derivatives of benzaldehyde or related transformations that install the amino group ortho to the formyl moiety. The choice of route depends on available precursors, scale, and required purity.

Applications: 2-Aminobenzaldehyde is a versatile building block in organic synthesis. It is used in the preparation of dyes, pharmaceutical intermediates, and various heterocycles. The compound readily forms Schiff bases with carbonyl compounds and participates in condensation reactions that generate a wide range of ligands for coordination chemistry and metal complex synthesis.

Safety and handling: The substance is generally handled under standard chemical safety protocols. It can be irritating to skin, eyes, or the respiratory system, and should be used with appropriate personal protective equipment, good ventilation, and proper storage away from incompatible materials.