Clear colourless to yellow liquid
2-Fluorophenol is a competitive inhibitor in the oxidation of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA), a catecholamine precursor that is used as a therapeutic agent for patients with ParkinsonтАЩs disease. 2-Fluorophenol is also used as a sole carbon energy source for bacteria.
Liquid or crystalline solid melting at 14-16°C. Corrosive. Density 1.246 g / cm3.
2-Fluorophenol reacts as a weak organic acid. May be incompatible with strong reducing substances such as hydrides, nitrides, alkali metals, and sulfides. Flammable gas (H2) is often generated, and the heat of the reaction may ignite the gas. Heat is also generated by the acid-base reaction with bases. Such heating may initiate polymerization of the organic compound. Sulfonated very readily (for example, by concentrated sulfuric acid at room temperature). The reactions generate heat. Nitrated very rapidly, even by dilute nitric acid.
ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: Toxic and irritant.
Pass o-fluorophenol at least twice through a gas chromatographic column for small quantities; otherwise fractionally distil it under reduced pressure. [Beilstein 6 I 97, 6 IV 770.]
