What is 1-fluoronaphthalene used for?

FAQ 2025-04-07

  1. Pharmaceutical Intermediate:
    • Synthesis of Duloxetine: A key intermediate in the production of duloxetine (Cymbalta®), a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain.
    • Antidepressant Development: Utilized in the synthesis of LY248686, a potent inhibitor of serotonin and norepinephrine uptake, highlighting its role in developing new antidepressants and mood stabilizers.
  2. Chemical Synthesis:
    • Fluorinated Building Block: Acts as a crucial fluorinated intermediate in the synthesis of specialty chemicals, agrochemicals, and high-performance materials. Fluorinated compounds often exhibit enhanced stability, lipophilicity, and metabolic resistance, making them valuable in various industrial applications.
    • Organic Synthesis: Employed in the construction of complex organic molecules, particularly those requiring fluorine substitution for improved biological activity or physical properties.
  3. Research and Development:
    • Drug Discovery: Used in academic and industrial research to explore new drug candidates, especially in the context of fluorine-containing compounds known for their distinct biological and pharmacological properties.
    • Materials Science: Contributes to the development of advanced materials with tailored electronic, optical, or thermal properties.

Physicochemical Properties:

  • Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow transparent liquid.
  • Melting Point: Approximately -13°C.
  • Boiling Point: 215°C.
  • Density: 1.1322 g/mL at 20°C.
  • Solubility: Sparingly soluble in water; soluble in organic solvents like chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol.

Safety Considerations:

  • Hazards: Flammable liquid; causes skin and eye irritation; may cause respiratory irritation.
  • Handling: Requires proper ventilation, protective clothing, and avoidance of strong oxidizing agents.