What to Specify When Buying 2,2-Difluoroethanol
2,2-Difluoroethanol (CAS 359-13-7) is quoted against a short specification in which assay, acidity and water content do most of the work. Because the material is a fluorinated alcohol used in sensitive synthesis, a low residual-acid level and tight moisture control matter as much as the headline purity. This guide covers typical specifications, packaging, documentation and supplier qualification. For the underlying chemistry, see the 2,2-difluoroethanol technical overview.
Typical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colorless transparent liquid |
| Assay | 99.5% min |
| Acidity | 0.0001% max |
| Water | 0.1% max |
| Molecular formula | C2H4F2O |
| Molecular weight | 82.05 g/mol |
Why These Parameters Matter
- Assay. A minimum of 99.5% leaves little room for related impurities that could carry through a multi-step route.
- Acidity. A 0.0001% max limit signals a well-neutralised product with essentially no residual acid – important when the alcohol is used in acid-sensitive chemistry.
- Water. The 0.1% max limit protects moisture-sensitive reactions and helps preserve the material on storage.
- Appearance. A colorless transparent liquid indicates a clean product free of coloured or suspended impurities.
Because the molecule is small and volatile, buyers also often ask for identity confirmation by gas chromatography with the assay, so that the reported purity is tied to the actual lot.
Packaging and Storage
2,2-Difluoroethanol is a liquid and is supplied in the packaging size that fits the order, typically small drums or cans for fine-chemical quantities. It should be stored cool, dry and tightly closed, away from heat, ignition sources and oxidising agents, and handled with appropriate personal protective equipment.
Documentation: COA and SDS
A reliable supplier provides a batch certificate of analysis (COA) that reports appearance, assay, acidity and water content, together with an up-to-date safety data sheet (SDS/MSDS). For customers running regulated processes, confirming the documentation package early avoids delays later.
Supplier Qualification Checklist
- Confirm whether the supplier manufactures or trades the material, and the country of origin.
- Check that the quoted assay and the acidity and water limits match the COA you will receive.
- Confirm consistent batch-to-batch quality, not just a single lot.
- Verify packaging, lead time and shipping terms for your production schedule.
- Confirm that COA and SDS are supplied and that the grade fits your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What assay of 2,2-difluoroethanol is typical?
Industrial grades are commonly specified at 99.5% min assay with acidity 0.0001% max and water 0.1% max, supplied as a colorless transparent liquid.
Why is the acidity limit so tight?
A 0.0001% max acidity value shows the product is well neutralised and free of residual acid, which matters for acid-sensitive downstream chemistry.
Does it come with a COA and SDS?
Yes. A batch COA covering appearance, assay, acidity and water, plus an up-to-date SDS, should be supplied.
Where can I buy 2,2-difluoroethanol?
PolyBlueChem supplies 2,2-difluoroethanol (CAS 359-13-7) with COA and MSDS. Contact our team for specifications, packaging and a quotation.
References
- PubChem Compound Summary for 2,2-difluoroethanol (CAS 359-13-7).
- Supplier specification sheets for 99.5% min 2,2-difluoroethanol.
- Guidance on handling and storing fluorinated alcohols for fine-chemical synthesis.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute technical, medical, regulatory or safety advice. Always refer to the current safety data sheet and applicable regulations before handling this material.