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Chemical product profile

HONGKUN / PRODUCT DIRECTORY

2,4-Dimethylbenzenethiol | CAS 13616-82-5

An aromatic thiol supplying the 2,4-dimethylphenylsulfanyl fragment in published vortioxetine routes, where the ring substitution pattern and control of related sulfur compounds are central to starting-material qualification.

CAS13616-82-5
Molecular formulaC8H10S
Molecular weight138.23 g/mol

Product overview

The sulfur atom of 2,4-dimethylbenzenethiol is bonded directly to the aromatic ring. Its two methyl groups occupy positions 2 and 4 relative to the thiol, giving the precise arylsulfur fragment used in several reported vortioxetine syntheses. The compound is also known as 2,4-dimethylthiophenol or 2,4-xylenethiol. It should be distinguished from other dimethylbenzenethiol isomers and from benzyl thiols, where sulfur is separated from the ring by a methylene group. For a multistep pharmaceutical route, qualification should consider which related aromatic sulfur compounds can be carried into subsequent intermediates. The specified substitution pattern and impurity method therefore have direct relevance beyond a single overall purity figure.

Chemical identity

Chemical name
2,4-Dimethylbenzenethiol
CAS number
13616-82-5
Molecular formula
C8H10S
Molecular weight
138.23 g/mol

Application context

Published vortioxetine routes use this thiol to construct the diaryl sulfide connection between a 2,4-dimethylphenyl group and a second aromatic ring. Different reported approaches establish that sulfur linkage before or alongside the introduction of the piperazine portion. The starting material therefore supplies a defined arylsulfur fragment rather than the finished active ingredient. A published impurity study links a 2,6-dimethylbenzenethiol component in a starting material to a corresponding downstream vortioxetine impurity. This makes positional-isomer control a practical topic for supplier qualification. The analytical method should resolve the isomers relevant to the selected source and process, while the sulfur-compound profile should be examined for components such as disulfides where relevant. Limits are best agreed with the downstream impurity strategy and the receiving process.

Chemistry and synthetic role

The aryl–SH group provides the sulfur site used to construct a carbon–sulfur bond. The 2,4-methyl pattern remains part of the aryl fragment, so changing that pattern changes the intermediate being assembled.

Quality review

Resolve positional thiol isomers

Confirm that the method separates relevant dimethylbenzenethiols, especially any 2,6-isomer considered in the downstream impurity strategy.

Review sulfur-containing related substances

Agree the reporting and limits for disulfides and other relevant sulfur components. Their presence and significance should be established for the proposed source.

Connect assay to batch charging

Specify assay basis alongside GC purity and process-specific water or solvent requirements so that the thiol charge is calculated consistently.

Preparing a specification

State 2,4-dimethylbenzenethiol, CAS 13616-82-5, with positional-isomer limits and a method suited to the agreed sulfur-impurity profile. Include assay basis, any disulfide criterion and the water or solvent requirements of the receiving route.

Packaging and storage

Confirm the container, seal and net quantity against the proposed grade and handling arrangements. Obtain the batch SDS and agree storage and transport conditions for the selected material.

Documentation

Request identity data, lot COA and a chromatogram demonstrating the agreed isomer separation. Confirm availability of impurity assignments or reference data for any disulfide and positional-isomer limits included in the specification.

Procurement questions

Why does the methyl substitution pattern matter?

It defines the arylsulfur fragment entering the route; a different thiol isomer can lead to a different downstream compound.

Is this the same as a dimethylbenzyl mercaptan?

No. Here sulfur is bonded directly to the ring; a benzyl mercaptan contains an intervening CH2 group.

Which downstream use is documented?

Published vortioxetine syntheses use it to build the diaryl sulfide fragment. Qualification remains specific to the chosen route.

Technical sources
  1. PubChem CAS-resolved identity, CID 83617NCBI / National Library of Medicine
  2. 2,4-Dimethylbenzenethiol D2648Tokyo Chemical Industry
  3. EP2930171A1 — Synthesis of vortioxetinePatent applicant / EPO
  4. WO2016079751A2 — Preparation of vortioxetine and polymorphsPatent applicant / WIPO
  5. Stability-indicating reversed-phase HPLC method development and characterization of impurities in vortioxetineOriginal research authors / Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis