3,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid is a compound that can be found in various herbicides used in agriculture. Its relevance to everyday life lies in its role in crop protection and weed control. By inhibiting the growth of unwanted plants, 3,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid helps farmers improve the yield and quality of their crops, ultimately contributing to the availability and affordability of food products for consumers.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
3,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid, a derivative of benzoic acid, has various commercial and industrial applications. It is commonly used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and dyes. Additionally, it can be utilized in the manufacturing of polymers, resins, and herbicides due to its versatile chemical properties.
In terms of drug and medication applications, 3,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid is not commonly used for therapeutic purposes. However, it can serve as a building block for the synthesis of certain pharmaceutical compounds. Its role in drug development lies in its ability to be chemically modified to create new molecules with potentially beneficial properties for various medical conditions.
Overall, 3,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid plays a crucial role in the chemical industry, serving as a key building block for the production of a wide range of products. Its applications in pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and other industries highlight its importance as a versatile and valuable compound in various manufacturing processes.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
3,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid appears as a white crystalline powder with a faint odor. This compound is soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone.
The molar mass of 3,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid is approximately 191.00 g/mol, and its density is around 1.537 g/cm3. In comparison, common food items like sugar and salt have lower molar masses and densities.
The melting point of 3,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid is about 158-160°C, while the boiling point is approximately 335-336°C. These values are significantly higher than those of common food items, such as butter and chocolate.
3,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid is sparingly soluble in water and has a low viscosity. This compound’s solubility in water is much lower than that of common food items like sugar and salt. Additionally, its viscosity is lower compared to food items like honey and syrup.
🏭 Production & Procurement
3,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid is typically produced through a multi-step chemical synthesis process. This process usually involves starting with toluene or benzene as a raw material, which undergoes chlorination to introduce chlorine atoms at the 3 and 4 positions on the benzene ring. Subsequent oxidation steps convert the intermediate compound into 3,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid.
One common method for procuring 3,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid is through chemical suppliers who specialize in selling fine chemicals and custom synthesis services. The compound can be purchased in varying quantities, from small research-grade amounts to bulk quantities for industrial applications. Transportation of 3,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid typically involves proper labeling, packaging, and compliance with regulatory requirements for hazardous materials.
Alternatively, 3,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid can also be synthesized in-house by research institutions or industrial facilities equipped with the necessary expertise and equipment. In such cases, the procurement process involves acquiring the precursors and reagents needed for the synthesis, as well as ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. The compound can then be produced on-site and used for various research or manufacturing purposes.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for 3,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid include proper handling, storage, and disposal to prevent any potential hazards. It is important to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, when working with this compound. Avoid any contact with skin, eyes, and clothing, and ensure proper ventilation in the working area to prevent inhalation of vapors.
Hazard statements for 3,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid include “Causes skin irritation,” “Causes serious eye irritation,” and “May cause respiratory irritation.” This compound should be handled with caution to avoid any potential adverse effects on human health. It is recommended to keep it away from heat, sparks, and open flames to prevent fire hazards.
Precautionary statements for 3,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid include “Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection,” “IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing,” and “Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.” It is essential to follow these precautions to minimize the risk of exposure and ensure safe handling of this compound in laboratory or industrial settings.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
One potential research direction for 3,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid involves exploring its pharmacological properties, especially in the context of developing new drug candidates. This compound has shown promising bioactivity in various studies, suggesting that further investigation into its potential therapeutic applications could be valuable.
Another avenue for research on 3,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid is its environmental fate and behavior. Understanding how this compound interacts with the environment, including its degradation pathways and potential ecological impacts, could provide valuable insights into its environmental risk and help inform regulatory decisions regarding its use.
Furthermore, studying the chemical reactivity and transformation pathways of 3,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid could contribute to the development of novel synthetic methodologies or the identification of new chemical intermediates with potential industrial applications. Investigating the reactions of this compound under different conditions and with various reagents could lead to the discovery of new chemical transformations or reactions with high synthetic utility.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to 3,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid is 2,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid. This compound has a molecular structure that is almost identical to that of 3,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid, with the only difference being the position of the chlorine atoms on the benzene ring. The presence of the two chlorine atoms in the ortho positions gives 2,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid similar chemical properties to 3,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid.
Another compound with a molecular structure similar to 3,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid is 3,5-Dichlorobenzoic acid. Like 3,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid, this compound has two chlorine atoms attached to the benzene ring, but in this case, they are located in the meta positions. The position of the chlorine atoms affects the chemical reactivity and physical properties of 3,5-Dichlorobenzoic acid, making it a structurally similar compound to 3,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid.
One more compound that shares a similar molecular structure with 3,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid is 2,3-Dichlorobenzoic acid. In this compound, the two chlorine atoms are located in the ortho and meta positions on the benzene ring. This arrangement leads to similar chemical behavior between 2,3-Dichlorobenzoic acid and 3,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid, although subtle differences may arise due to the specific positioning of the chlorine atoms on the aromatic ring.
