2-Fluoro-2′-bromobiphenyl (CAS: 1554-05-8) is a halogenated aromatic compound with the molecular formula C12H8BrF. Its structure consists of a biphenyl core with a fluorine atom at the 2-position of one phenyl ring and a bromine atom at the 2′-position of the other ring. This unique ortho-substituted biphenyl scaffold combines the electronic effects of both halogens, providing a versatile platform for cross-coupling reactions and functionalization. As a valuable fine chemical intermediate, 2-fluoro-2′-bromobiphenyl is widely used in the synthesis of broad-spectrum fungicides (e.g., fluopyram, a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor), pharmaceutical PPAR agonists for metabolic disorders, and fluorinated liquid crystals for display technologies. Its production typically involves Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling between 2-fluorophenylboronic acid and 2-bromoiodobenzene, or direct bromination of 2-fluorobiphenyl under controlled conditions. Market demand is closely linked to the agrochemical industry’s need for novel SDHI fungicides, the pharmaceutical development of antidiabetic and lipid-lowering drugs, and the electronics sector’s requirement for high-purity liquid crystal intermediates. Based on its chemical characteristics and industrial chain position, this article systematically analyzes international market dynamics of 2-fluoro-2′-bromobiphenyl, focusing on core application scenarios, competitive landscape, regional differences, regulatory trends, and future outlook, providing strategic references for industry participants.
Core Application Fields and Demand
Market demand for 2-fluoro-2′-bromobiphenyl is highly concentrated in three major areas: agrochemical intermediate for SDHI fungicides (≈55% of global consumption), pharmaceutical intermediate for PPAR agonists (≈25%), and specialty chemicals for liquid crystals and organic electronics (≈20%). The ortho-fluoro and ortho-bromo substituents enable selective cross-coupling reactions, particularly Suzuki-Miyaura and Ullmann couplings.
In the agrochemical sector, 2-fluoro-2′-bromobiphenyl is a key intermediate for fluopyram, a widely used succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicide effective against a broad range of plant pathogens including powdery mildew, gray mold, and leaf spot. Fluopyram is registered for use on cereals, vegetables, fruits, and oilseed rape, and is also used as a seed treatment. The global SDHI fungicide market, growing at 4-6% annually due to rising fungal resistance to older chemistries, sustains steady demand for high-purity 2-fluoro-2′-bromobiphenyl. Additionally, the compound is used in the synthesis of other biphenyl-based agrochemicals.
In the pharmaceutical sector, 2-fluoro-2′-bromobiphenyl serves as a precursor for PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor) agonists, which are investigated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The biphenyl scaffold is a privileged structure in drug discovery for metabolic and inflammatory diseases. The global metabolic disease drug market expands at 5-7% per year, driving demand for fluorinated biphenyl intermediates.
In specialty chemicals, 2-fluoro-2′-bromobiphenyl is used in the synthesis of fluorinated liquid crystals for advanced display technologies (LCD, OLED) and organic semiconductor materials. Its rigid biphenyl core with orthogonal halogens provides desirable mesomorphic and electronic properties. The global fluorinated liquid crystal intermediate market grows at 3-4% annually.
Major Market Participants
The global supply system for 2-fluoro-2′-bromobiphenyl (CAS: 1554-05-8) presents a pattern of “specialized fluorinated aromatic and cross-coupling intermediate manufacturers, primarily in China and India, dominating large-scale production, with European and US companies focusing on high-purity R&D and custom synthesis.” Production requires expertise in palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling and strict control of residual metals and halogenated by-products.
In the global volume intermediate segment, Chinese manufacturers lead due to integrated fluorinated chemistry capabilities and cost-effective cross-coupling processes. Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem) has developed a reliable production process for 2-fluoro-2′-bromobiphenyl, achieving consistent purity (≥98-99%) with low residual palladium and brominated impurities. Indian producers also manufacture this intermediate for domestic agrochemical and pharmaceutical API production.
In the high-purity research and custom synthesis segment, several European and US fine chemical suppliers offer 2-fluoro-2′-bromobiphenyl for early-stage drug discovery and liquid crystal development. However, XinChem provides a cost‑effective, scalable alternative with custom packaging options for both R&D and commercial quantities.
Regional Market Dynamics
Global demand for 2-fluoro-2′-bromobiphenyl shows regional differentiation: “Asia-Pacific dominates production and consumption (over 65%), North America and Europe lead in innovative SDHI fungicide and PPAR agonist R&D, and Latin America & Africa follow as growth markets for crop protection.”
Asia-Pacific is the world’s largest producer and consumer. China manufactures the majority of 2-fluoro-2′-bromobiphenyl, supplying both domestic agrochemical companies and export markets. India consumes significant volumes for generic fluopyram production and other biphenyl-based crop protection products. Japan and South Korea also demand high-purity grades for liquid crystal and electronics applications.
North America and Europe account for approximately 20-25% of global demand, focused on high-purity (≥99.5%) material for innovative agrochemical and pharmaceutical development. Major crop protection innovators use this intermediate in their SDHI fungicide pipelines. Regulatory documentation (COA, residual metals, residual solvents) is strictly required.
Latin America and Africa are growth markets for fluopyram-based fungicides, driven by large-scale agriculture and rising fungal disease pressure. Price sensitivity is high, and Asian suppliers dominate.
Regulatory and Environmental Considerations
As a chemical intermediate, 2-fluoro-2′-bromobiphenyl (CAS: 1554-05-8) is subject to chemical control regulations and, when used in agrochemical or pharmaceutical synthesis, to relevant industry guidelines. The compound is classified as a skin/eye irritant (H315, H319) and may be harmful if swallowed (H302). It is also classified as a combustible liquid (H227).
In the EU, it is registered under REACH as an intermediate. Suppliers must provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Non-EU manufacturers need an Only Representative (OR) for import. In the US, the EPA regulates it under TSCA as an existing substance. For agrochemical use, EPA pesticide registration requirements apply to the final product, not the intermediate. In China, it is listed in the “Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances” and requires safety production licenses. Environmentally, production of this compound uses palladium catalysts and organic solvents, requiring recycling and proper waste treatment. Green chemistry efforts focus on catalyst recovery and solvent distillation.
Future Outlook
The market outlook for 2-fluoro-2′-bromobiphenyl is tied to three drivers: sustained demand for SDHI fungicides in global crop protection, growth of PPAR agonist drugs for metabolic diseases, and continued need for fluorinated liquid crystal intermediates in display technologies. The global market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4-6% over the next five years.
On the demand side, first, the expansion of high-value crop production (fruits, vegetables, grapes) and rising fungal resistance to older fungicide classes (strobilurins, triazoles) drive adoption of SDHI fungicides like fluopyram. Second, the global increase in type 2 diabetes and obesity fuels research into PPAR agonists, which rely on biphenyl building blocks. Third, the stabilization of LCD and OLED display markets maintains demand for specialty intermediates.
Challenges include: raw material price volatility (2-fluorophenylboronic acid, 2-bromoiodobenzene), competition from alternative synthetic routes (direct arylation, C-H activation), and environmental pressure on palladium catalyst usage. Enterprises should focus on process optimization (ligand-free cross-coupling), catalyst recycling, and securing supply agreements with agrochemical and pharmaceutical customers.
Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem)
As a world-leading supplier of organic chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates, Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem) has always focused on the innovative needs of the agrochemical, pharmaceutical, and specialty chemical industries. Relying on core technological advantages in fluorinated biphenyl synthesis and cross-coupling chemistry, we provide high-purity 2-Fluoro-2′-Bromobiphenyl (CAS: 1554-05-8) to global customers. Our product is manufactured under strict quality management, achieving consistent purity (≥98-99%) with low residual palladium and brominated impurities, fully complying with intermediate standards. It is an ideal building block for SDHI fungicides, PPAR agonists, and fluorinated liquid crystals.
1. Technical Advantages
- High Purity: Our 2-fluoro-2′-bromobiphenyl achieves purity ≥98% (GC) for industrial grade, and ≥99% for high-purity grade, with moisture <0.3%.
- Low Impurity Profile: Strict control of residual palladium (<10 ppm), bromobenzene (<0.1%), and related biphenyl isomers (<0.5%).
- Batch Consistency: Batch‑to‑batch variation controlled within 0.2% for key indices (purity, melting point 34-36°C).
2. Product Advantages
- Ortho-Halogen Bifunctionality: Fluoro and bromo substituents enable selective Suzuki-Miyaura, Ullmann, and Buchwald-Hartwig cross-couplings.
- Rigid Biphenyl Core: Provides structural stability and desirable electronic properties for liquid crystals and drug molecules.
- Flexible Packaging: 25KG fiber drums (industrial), 5KG/1KG aluminum foil bags (R&D), custom packaging upon request.
- Reliable Supply Chain: Annual capacity 20-40 tons, with dedicated cool, dry storage (ambient temperature, avoid light and moisture).
3. Application Fields
- Agrochemical Intermediates: SDHI fungicides (fluopyram), biphenyl-based crop protection agents.
- Pharmaceutical Intermediates: PPAR agonists for diabetes and dyslipidemia, other biphenyl-based drug candidates.
- Specialty Chemicals: Fluorinated liquid crystals (LCD, OLED), organic semiconductors, electronic materials.
4. Service Support
Our technical team provides impurity profiling, custom purification (for ultra-high purity), and regulatory support (COA, residual metals analysis, REACH/TSCA compliance). We offer just‑in‑time delivery and competitive pricing for both research quantities and bulk orders.
5. Why Choose XinChem
- Professionalism: 20+ years in chemical and pharmaceutical intermediates.
- Flexibility: Tailored to customer purity and packaging requirements.
- Cost‑effectiveness: High quality at competitive prices.
Contact us now to start cooperation!
Website: www.xinchem.com
Email: sales1@xinchem.com
WhatsApp: +86 18049800532
Post time: Apr-21-2026