3-Methoxy-5-Trifluoromethylbenzonitrile stands out in the world of fine chemicals. With the chemical formula C9H6F3NO, it forms part of a group of organic compounds sporting both methoxy and trifluoromethyl groups attached to a benzene ring. A single carbon in this ring grabs onto a nitrile group (-CN), and that gives the chemical its bite; it doesn't slip under the radar in a lab or industrial setting. In the hunt for new raw materials, chemistry teams and engineers often turn to molecules in this family for their reactivity and flexibility. Its structure, featuring a trifluoromethyl group at the fifth position and a methoxy at the third, sets the stage for plenty of downstream reactions.
On the bench, 3-Methoxy-5-Trifluoromethylbenzonitrile typically shows up as a solid, often found in forms like powder or crystalline flakes. Its density generally lands close to 1.3 grams per cubic centimeter, which lines up with other nitrile aromatics containing heavy fluorine atoms. Rarely does it turn up as a liquid at room temperature; high melting points and stability under storage set this chemical apart from other similar nitriles. Solid texture makes weighing and measuring straightforward, compared to battling sticky oils or runny liquids. Color tends toward white or off-white, with a distinct sharp chemical odor that betrays the presence of the nitrile group. Solubility usually sits in the moderate range for organic solvents, but water doesn't stand a chance of dissolving these stubborn molecules.
The backbone holds together with a benzene ring carrying a nitrile group at one end, an electron-donating methoxy group to one side, and a bulky, electron-withdrawing trifluoromethyl group across from that. Having worked with compounds in the same family, I’ve seen how this sort of substitution pattern changes the chemical’s power. The trifluoromethyl group throws plenty of fluorine’s electron-pulling nature into the mix, which opens a path to transformations not possible without it. Pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, dyes, and specialty polymers often rely on such oddball building blocks during custom synthesis. Their odd shape, their unwillingness to dissolve in water, and the extra “push” from fluorine’s negative charge let chemists drive reactions in precisely the direction they want. HS Code 2926909090 pops up for this compound, reflecting its slot in the world’s chemical import-export game.
Purity matters more than anything when buying or producing this product. Typical specs cut through the fog: purity sits at 98% or higher. Moisture usually sits below 0.5%. Responsible materials handling comes down to these figures because impurities can fire off unwanted side reactions or gum up processing equipment. Crystal form, melting point, or form as powder or pearls usually comes guided by end-user request. You get a dry, free-flowing powder more often than not since solid form lends itself to easy shipment and long shelf life. Packaging is tightly sealed in glass or high-grade plastics to lock out moisture and air. No one wants to lose money on degraded raw material, especially when it comes with a safety price tag.
This molecule doesn’t hide its risks. Trifluoromethylbenzonitriles ask for care. The toxic nitrile group can pose a risk if inhaled or ingested. Dust control matters. Proper gloves, goggles, and a decent fume hood go a long way in the lab. Industrial customers order up big drums and may deal with powders floating off into the workspace. Spill cleanup becomes a priority. Company guidelines always stress good ventilation, proper skin protection, and safe disposal of waste, given the potentially hazardous nature of both the substance and its byproducts. Material Safety Data Sheets highlight the need for first aid if irritation occurs and call for immediate washing if contact strikes skin or eyes.
3-Methoxy-5-Trifluoromethylbenzonitrile doesn’t show up in your kitchen or medicine cabinet, but it does feed into many production chains. Labs turn to it as a starting point for dozens of bigger organic molecules, especially as new drug candidates or advanced materials keep demanding fresh kinds of chemistry. Its particular mix of electronegative and electron-donating pieces gives reactions just the right push to produce anything from specialty pesticides to potential pharma breakthroughs. In my experience, having a shelf stocked with such compounds makes innovating safer, simpler, and more reliable, compared to improvising with whatever’s on hand. Demand for this molecule may spike one year and drop the next, but for many companies, keeping it ready keeps research and production running strong.
