difluorobenzene

Difluorobenzene is a chemical compound with the formula C6H4F2. It is a disubstituted derivative of benzene, where two hydrogen atoms on the benzene ring have been replaced by fluorine atoms. There are three possible isomers of difluorobenzene, differing in the positions of the fluorine atoms on the benzene ring. These are 1,2-difluorobenzene, 1,3-difluorobenzene, and 1,4-difluorobenzene. Each isomer is a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor.

1,2-difluorobenzene, also known as ortho-difluorobenzene, has the fluorine atoms on adjacent carbon atoms. It is used as a precursor in the synthesis of various organic compounds, including pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. 1,3-difluorobenzene, or meta-difluorobenzene, has the fluorine atoms separated by one carbon atom. It finds applications in the production of liquid crystals and specialty polymers. 1,4-difluorobenzene, or para-difluorobenzene, has the fluorine atoms on opposite sides of the ring. It is employed in the synthesis of dyes, herbicides, and high-performance plastics.

The physical properties of the difluorobenzene isomers vary slightly. For example, their boiling points and melting points are distinct, which can be useful for their separation and purification. The electronic properties of the benzene ring are significantly altered by the presence of the electronegative fluorine atoms, influencing the reactivity of the molecule in various chemical reactions. Difluorobenzenes are generally stable compounds but can undergo typical electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions. They are flammable liquids and should be handled with appropriate safety precautions.