1-Bromo-4-Chlorobutane: A Deep Dive into Utility and Promise
Historical Development
Over the past century, halogenated alkanes like 1-Bromo-4-Chlorobutane have found their way into chemical research, industrial manufacturing, and laboratory studies. The presence of both bromine and chlorine on the same butane backbone points to a period of intense investigation during the mid-20th century, when chemists focused on creating new building blocks for organic synthesis. Early literature from the 1960s notes trial-and-error routes to synthesize such compounds, reflecting the age's hunger for new synthetic intermediates. Early records from patents and chemical catalogs show how this molecule moved from a curiosity in academic papers to being offered in better purity, reliable supply, and solid documentation for larger-scale users. As refining and purification improved, so did the confidence of researchers relying on such nuanced reagents.
Product Overview
1-Bromo-4-Chlorobutane lands in that group of alkyl halides valued for their dual-functionalized structure. The presence of both a bromine atom and a chlorine atom empowers chemists to choose specific transformation routes based on their goals. This substance often appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid, catering to scientists looking to build more complex molecules. Its development tucked into a long line of efforts seeking to provide chemists with intermediates holding both reactivity and selectivity that other simpler haloalkanes cannot offer.
Physical & Chemical Properties
This compound brings together both the reactivity of bromides and the robustness of chlorinated chains. It tends to boil at about 171–173°C, and its density falls around 1.5 g/cm³. Its solubility in water sits very low, though it mixes well with most organics such as ether, acetone, and alcohols. Its molecular weight hovers near 171.5 g/mol, and the molecule’s structure is written as Br(CH2)4Cl. The liquid emits a sharp, pungent odor typical of simple alkyl halides. These traits matter deeply in both handling considerations and reaction planning. The significant difference in carbon–halogen bond strengths (with bromine more labile than chlorine) often steers strategic modifications in multi-step synthesis.
Technical Specifications & Labeling
Each bottle or drum should include labeling covering its chemical name, batch number, purity (usually above 98% for synthetic use), and hazard markings that conform to international standards like GHS or OSHA requirements. Labels often list storage requirements: keep container tightly sealed, avoid direct sunlight, and store at stable room temperature. Standard specifications also identify potential trace contaminants and maximum moisture levels due to the compound’s susceptibility to hydrolysis. Certificates of analysis echo user demand for data about NMR spectra, GC purity, and refractive index, signaling how technical transparency cements trust across the supply chain.
Preparation Method
Traditional preparation routes rely on starting from 1,4-dichlorobutane. By treating it with a bromide source—typically sodium bromide—in a polar aprotic solvent like acetone, chloride undergoes nucleophilic substitution, yielding 1-Bromo-4-Chlorobutane. Temperature control and anhydrous conditions keep the product clean. In large-scale preparation, using phase-transfer catalysts boosts yields, and continuous extraction or distillation pulls the product away from side reactions. My first glimpse at the reaction under a hood left a strong impression; the beautiful separation of the organic phase marked a step toward larger synthetic goals. Such direct halogen exchange steps show how industrial practices shape bench chemistry and vice versa.
Chemical Reactions & Modifications
Chemists turn to 1-Bromo-4-Chlorobutane to introduce butyl groups into target molecules via alkylation, either using the more reactive bromine or holding the chlorine for a subsequent conversion. One typical reaction involves nucleophilic substitution to introduce a thiol, amine, or alkoxide at the bromo position, allowing for further transformation down the line. Reduction and elimination reactions, driven by the disparate leaving group tendencies of bromine and chlorine, carve out sharp differences in reaction selectivity. The compound also finds use in ring-closing reactions, where both ends anchor molecular frameworks, opening options for both academic studies and industrial syntheses.
Synonyms & Product Names
Catalogs and research papers refer to 1-Bromo-4-Chlorobutane by several names: 1,4-Dihalobutane, 4-Chlorobutyl Bromide, and its systematic name, 4-Chlorobutyl Bromide. Some suppliers list alternative spellings such as Butane, 1-bromo-4-chloro-. International inventories also allocate numbers like EINECS 217-832-5 and provide the CAS number 6940-78-9 to avoid confusion in cross-border handling or academic referencing. These different synonyms highlight the need for clear documentation and demonstrate the value of standard chemical databases in keeping order across the rapid sharing of chemical knowledge.
Safety & Operational Standards
Any chemical boasting multiple halogen substituents demands serious respect in the lab. Safety Data Sheets stress the importance of gloves, eye protection, and use within a fume hood, as both brominated and chlorinated organics can irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory systems. Spills get cleaned with inert absorbents, and all containers belong in ventilated chemical stores away from oxidizers and bases. Eyes on waste disposal, too—local and international rules treat halogenated solvents and reagents stringently. Frequent training, coupled with clear operational checklists, reinforces safe habits even as experiments grow in ambition.
Application Area
This molecule serves as more than a textbook curiosity. Pharmaceutical development leans on it as a key intermediate, with its halogen atoms setting the stage for the construction of beta-blockers, antihistamines, and imaging agents. Agrochemical manufacturers reach for it in the design of advanced fungicides and herbicides. Materials scientists use it to anchor polymers or to make specialty surfactants, especially where molecular cross-linking needs pinpoint precision. My own direct work saw it help forge a tricky ether linkage in a natural product mimic, proving its role as a workhorse in creative synthesis. Across labs and factories, this compound remains a flexible friend for those turning out tomorrow’s innovations.
Research & Development
Modern R&D draws from decades of accumulated experience with 1-Bromo-4-Chlorobutane. Teams use it to invent new ligands, catalysts, and functional materials—not just for curiosity’s sake, but for practical impact in energy, electronics, and health sciences. Newer analytical approaches, such as in-line NMR and real-time mass spec monitoring, let researchers squeeze more yield and purity out of familiar reaction schemes. This helps innovators target cleaner conversions and improved safety outcomes. The compound’s historical importance as a testbed for reaction theory persists: whether examining radical chain reactions or looking for novel green chemistry protocols, it remains a favorite in experimental design.
Toxicity Research
Toxicologists have found that simple alkyl halides can present acute and chronic risks, especially through inhalation or skin absorption. Studies on compounds like 1-Bromo-4-Chlorobutane show that even short-term exposures sometimes lead to irritation, and repeated or higher-level contact links to liver, kidney, or nervous system effects. These discoveries foster strict exposure limits in workplaces and guide environmental handling protocols. Test data and animal toxicology reports turn up in regulatory filings, helping safety professionals plan engineering controls and develop emergency procedures. This vigilance signals a move toward balanced use—maximizing chemical utility while shielding health and the ecosystem.
Future Prospects
As green and sustainable chemistry rises to the forefront of both industry and academia, molecules like 1-Bromo-4-Chlorobutane attract more targeted scrutiny. Safer production processes, better recycling options, and alternative synthetic routes all play into tomorrow’s demand. Those working at the interface of organic chemistry and material science push the compound into novel applications, from next-generation catalysts to advanced coatings. Creative process engineers search for continuous flow syntheses to tame hazards and shrink environmental footprints. Up-and-coming chemists studying reaction mechanisms or molecular design can learn a lot from the story of such halogenated intermediates, watching how even an “old” chemical keeps evolving as technologies and viewpoints shift.
The Bones of a Simple Halogenated Alkane
Chemistry never finds a shortage of strange words for familiar things. 1-Bromo-4-chlorobutane sounds like a mouthful. In essence, it’s just butane set up with two different halogens. Butane on its own shows up as C4H10. Now, throw on a bromine at one end and a chlorine across the end of the chain. Suddenly, you’ve got a compound with a lot more personality — C4H8BrCl.
That’s not just a trivia fact for a quiz bowl. I've watched students try to sketch these structures and you can see confusion hit. Chemistry sometimes feels like codebreaking: which atoms go where? For this molecule, each carbon in the butane chain still holds the same amount, but two hydrogens get kicked out and replaced with a bromine and a chlorine. This shift changes everything. 1-bromo-4-chlorobutane can’t act like ordinary butane — the halogens step in and change its reactivity, how it reacts with other chemicals, even how it feels and smells.
Why Chemical Structure Shapes the Story
Formulas are more than pretty strings of letters and numbers. One misplaced halogen, and suddenly you’ve got something dangerous or even totally inert. A friend in the lab once thought he grabbed chloroethane, only to realize after a ruined experiment he picked a brominated cousin. A chemist’s notes don’t lie — small differences change outcomes in everything from creating medicines to synthesizing new plastics.
Companies in the pharmaceutical world lean hard on formulas matching exactly what’s needed. They track each atom because unwanted side effects often trace back to a stray group on the molecule. Regulatory bodies watch for accuracy, as impurities or incorrect formulas in a batch put end-users at risk. 1-Bromo-4-chlorobutane brings up a good example — its formula tells you precisely what reactions it can do, which byproducts to expect, and which safety steps to follow.
Challenges in the Chemistry Classroom
Many who study chemistry for the first time struggle with formula writing. I remember my first experience: the formulas felt abstract until I built models. Rolling those tiny plastic balls into a butane backbone, plugging on a green “chlorine” on one side and a brown “bromine” opposite, I understood. Visuals and hands-on tools help bridge the gap between a flat formula and the 3D world of real molecules.
Students and new lab techs seem to benefit from drawing out their compounds by hand rather than just memorizing. Repetition helps. Mapping out each hydrogen, carbon, and the right positions for chlorine and bromine catches mistakes early. It can help to learn the stories behind why we put the halogens where we do — chemistry comes alive in context, not just theory.
Pathways to Safer, Smarter Chemistry
Clear, reliable communication saves time and headaches. Detailed chemical labeling in manufacturing, double-checking chemical formulas before starting work — these habits help prevent errors. Digital modeling software now helps visualize changes instantly, making it easier for both newcomers and experienced chemists to identify the right formula. Investing in education and up-to-date reference tools pays off, especially in a world where one wrong letter in a formula could mean wasted money, lost time, or health risks.
All told, 1-bromo-4-chlorobutane may seem like an obscure detail. In practice, its precise formula teaches that chemistry rewards attention to detail, patience, and real experience with the materials at hand.
From Lab Bench to Factory Floor
Not many folks outside chemistry labs will recognize the name 1-Bromo-4-Chlorobutane. Inside research and manufacturing circles, though, this compound brings real utility to the table. Its structure combines both bromine and chlorine, which makes it a go-to ingredient for making bigger, more complex molecules. I’ve learned from chemists that anything with both “bromo” and “chloro” in its name usually acts as a chemical “handle,” grabbing onto parts of other compounds so something new can be built.
Creating Medicines and Fine Chemicals
Pharmaceutical companies rely on small building blocks like 1-Bromo-4-Chlorobutane. In drug development, complexity can mean better results in treating diseases. Medicinal chemists use this compound to link up new drug candidates, because it reacts cleanly with other chemicals. The presence of both halogens helps shape ring structures and side chains—things that tweak how a medicine behaves in the body. I remember reading about its role in making antiviral agents and compounds targeting the nervous system. Without materials like this, producing some of today’s high-value medicines would stall out.
Helping Industrial Chemistry Happen
Industrial chemistry covers wide ground, and 1-Bromo-4-Chlorobutane plays its part in making complex organic molecules, especially those needed for dyes or certain plasticizers. In several factories, technicians feed this compound into reactors so they can attach functional groups to much larger molecules. That jump in complexity can mean stronger plastics or more vibrant dyes. Some fluorinated polymers also come from routes involving this material.
Why Precision Matters in Synthesis
One thing that stands out with 1-Bromo-4-Chlorobutane is how it gives scientists tight control over chemical reactions. I’ve watched teams in university labs choose this specific molecule because they know exactly where new bonds will form. That saves time and money. It also cuts down on unwanted byproducts, which translates to less chemical waste. For businesses that care about sustainability, using well-mapped pathways helps balance profits with environmental care.
Safe Handling and Oversight
Chemicals like 1-Bromo-4-Chlorobutane need respect. Inhalation can irritate, exposure can be rough on skin. That’s why responsible labs and factories store it in robust containers, use ventilation systems, and provide solid training to anyone who works with it. The global chemical industry keeps a close eye on compounds like this. Regulations demand safe handling, reporting, and tracking, especially if a compound could be misused. In my work with regulatory compliance, I’ve seen thorough risk assessments and control measures prevent incidents.
Looking for Better Alternatives
Chemists continue searching for greener ways to build molecules. One solution involves designing routes that use less hazardous starting materials or generate safer byproducts. Sometimes, catalysts come into play to cut down on process hazards and waste. The science community values transparency in how chemicals are made and disposed of—sharing knowledge and improvements across borders pushes the whole industry forward.
The Everyday Impact
Even though most people never see chemicals like 1-Bromo-4-Chlorobutane, products touched by its chemistry end up in home medicines, plastics, and textiles. Understanding where these building blocks fit reminds me of how much careful science powers daily life, from prescription bottles to household goods. The careful work of chemists and plant operators keeps all of this running safely, quietly influencing modern life behind the scenes.
Why Precautions Really Matter
Few people think of chemistry beyond school or stories of wild accidents. In laboratories and production plants, though, chemicals like 1-Bromo-4-Chlorobutane demand respect. I learned this while helping a friend prep for an organic synthesis run—one moment of distraction ended with mild skin irritation and a frantic rinse at the eyewash station. So, I don’t take shortcuts with substances that can bite back.
Understanding the Risks
1-Bromo-4-Chlorobutane doesn’t fool around. This colorless liquid gives off a sharp, sometimes sweet smell. It’s no innocent solvent; its halogenated nature means it can readily irritate the skin, eyes, and airways. On top of that, over time or in confined spaces, its vapors build up.
Direct skin contact causes burning or redness before you know it—gloves aren’t negotiable. Splashes to the eyes can result in severe pain and risk of damage. Inhalation leads to coughing, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Major chronic exposure risks remain limited (due to fairly rare use), but no one wants to be the canary.
Protective Gear: More Than Just a Nice Idea
Goggles, gloves, and a fully buttoned lab coat work better than hoping for luck. Lab-grade nitrile gloves block absorption far better than latex. I’ve seen old gloves crumble under repeated chemical use—always check for tears or wear before suiting up.
Eyes demand top priority. Standard lab glasses just won’t cut it; gone are the days of trusting a stray squirt won’t find a gap. Sealed goggles keep splashes and vapors out. Anyone who has needed an emergency eyewash once rarely forgets how much it hurts.
Respiratory masks come out if ventilation is spotty or if you’re pouring large volumes. A fume hood does the heavy lifting, stopping most airborne exposure.
Storage—More Than Just a Space on the Shelf
Chemicals like this should be stored in tightly sealed glass containers, away from light and moisture. The fumes build up, and you don’t want a leaky cap. Avoid stacking with oxidizers or strong bases—unexpected reactions can get ugly fast. I label bottles with the date opened, so I know if it’s sat around too long.
Keep the container cool; heat can cause changes in pressure inside the bottle. Never keep flammable or corrosive materials close together. Even after closing up, check for any sign of residue or spill on the bottle and shelf.
Spill Response: Acting Fast
If you spill a small amount, ventilate the area, and cover the spill with an absorbent like vermiculite. Scoop everything into a chemical waste container—never toss this down the drain. I’ve watched a minor fumble turn into hours of cleanup because someone waited too long to act. Soap and water follow once the mess gets contained.
Bigger spills or vapor releases get a quick call for help. Evacuate, pull the building alarm if needed, and rely on dedicated hazmat crews. Better to look careful than foolish—or put others at risk.
What Companies and Labs Can Do Differently
Clear training beats dense manuals—short, scenario-based guides stick better than legalese. Everyone working with chemicals deserves training refreshers every season. Color-coded labeling, written checklists, and visible emergency instructions reduce errors in moments of stress. Insist on paired work; fewer slipups happen when someone keeps an eye out.
Safe chemical handling depends on action, not paperwork. Trusting systems and each other keeps everyone upright. If you treat chemicals casually, sooner or later they’ll remind you why you shouldn’t.
Looks Aren’t Always Deceiving—But They Matter
1-Bromo-4-chlorobutane shows up as a colorless liquid. It’s easy to overlook on a bench among other organic solvents, but the way it looks gives away some clues about how people work with it. Most of my experience in academic labs taught me that a clear liquid can sometimes be more dangerous than something with a pungent color. You don’t see what’s floating in air, and spills soak into a bench mat without a trace.
Getting to Know the Substance
This liquid doesn’t stand out from water or common lab chemicals just by appearance. If someone glances at a vial without a label, 1-bromo-4-chlorobutane slides under the radar. It doesn’t come with strong odors at low concentrations, and the lack of color lulls people into a false sense of security. This chemical boils at around 162°C, and that means in a non-ventilated room, it sits in liquid form, not evaporating quickly like acetone or ethanol. In practice, that can spell trouble. More than once, I’ve seen colleagues knock over clear liquids thinking it’s water, only to realize much later their gloves soaked up something less benign.
Understanding the Risks
Low-key physical traits don’t lower the danger. Organic halides in general can be skin irritants, and exposure brings more than the inconvenience of a ruined glove. Studies have shown halogenated hydrocarbons have links to liver and kidney damage, and some find their way into the environment, accumulating over time. There’s no special chemical warning visible to the eye. Chemists rely on habits: label everything and keep MSDS sheets close. Familiarity with plain liquids teaches vigilance—the invisible risk at hand requires respect, not fear, and certainly no shortcuts in safety.
Pursuing Safer Labs and Transparent Info
Ongoing discussion focuses on labeling, proper storage, and safety data transparency. Over the years, several universities started digitizing container barcodes that link straight to composition and hazard info. It’s a step up from hunting around for a binder while holding a dripping sample. A clear labeling system reduces accidents with unmarked colorless liquids like 1-bromo-4-chlorobutane. I'm convinced every lab, school or industrial, deserves these standards. Transparency and access to digital records of every substance saves time and, more importantly, keeps people safe.
Accessibility for All Users
Young students and newcomers depend on clear demonstrations of risks. Training that presents each new colorless chemical as a learning opportunity, rather than just a list to memorize, makes a difference. Safety goggles don’t just protect eyes—they’re reminders that even invisible threats matter. In my own teaching experience, seeing students label and organize their workspace built confidence and good habits far better than rulebooks alone.
What’s Next: Practical Upgrades
Future work in chemistry leans on a simple truth—if you can’t see what you’re working with, you have to trust the information given. Investing in clear safety protocols, modern storage, and reliable data helps protect both industry veterans and newcomers. 1-bromo-4-chlorobutane, with its colorless, unassuming appearance, serves as a reminder that looking “ordinary” doesn’t mean being safe. Knowledge, vigilance, and transparency keep chemistry working for people, not against them.
Understanding Why Storage Matters
Chemicals like 1-Bromo-4-Chlorobutane often show up in labs and manufacturing spaces. This substance packs a punch both as a halogenated hydrocarbon and as a risk if left sitting around carelessly. Anyone who’s spent time moving or opening chemical drums knows how easy it is for small mistakes to turn into big headaches. For 1-Bromo-4-Chlorobutane, smart storage keeps people safe, costs down, and headaches away.
Storing in Practice: What Works
Any workspace where 1-Bromo-4-Chlorobutane lives should stay well-ventilated. This compound gives off vapors that you don’t want building up. A ventilated chemical cabinet or dedicated flammable liquid storage room handles the job. Years spent checking fume hoods for leaks and lingering scents taught me to trust well-built storage above all.
Heat doesn’t play nice with this chemical. Find an area that stays cool, out of sunlight, and away from heat sources like radiators or steam lines. Too much warmth and you risk faster evaporation, higher vapor pressure, and possible pressure buildup in containers. On one project, a poorly placed bottle near a window nearly ruined a week’s worth of product because the sun pushed the temperature too far.
Sealed Containers and Labels
The container should be just as rugged as what’s inside. Tight seals, screw caps, and no glass chips or cracks make for safe storage. Some labs think old soda bottles or coffee jars can pull double duty. That never ends well. I’ve watched labels fade and lids degrade—nothing beats the right, chemical-resistant container built for halides like this.
Labels deserve just as much attention. The best setups show complete names, hazard pictograms, concentration, and the date received or decanted. Too many labs end up with mystery bottles after a busy month. In those moments, people end up guessing about contents, which leads to costly waste and safety violations.
Segregation From Incompatible Substances
Storing 1-Bromo-4-Chlorobutane far from oxidizers, acids, and strong bases prevents dangerous reactions. Even one misplaced bottle in the wrong cabinet can lead to fires or toxic byproducts. Flammable cabinets come in handy here. Paint a bright reminder near shelves if necessary—I’ve found a bold sticker or laminated sign cuts down on confusion and forces the mind out of autopilot.
Spill Kits and Emergency Preparedness
Accidents never follow a schedule, so having a spill kit close by becomes essential. Absorbent mats, activated charcoal, gloves, goggles, and emergency contact numbers turn a potential disaster into a small blip. Once, a lid short-circuited by wear dumped a few ounces onto a benchtop. Fast access to neutralizers, absorbents, and clear procedures stopped things from spreading.
Periodic Checks and Ongoing Training
Shelf lives matter. 1-Bromo-4-Chlorobutane doesn’t last forever; older stock can break down or become harder to handle. Inventory checks should happen on a set schedule, months marked right on the bottle. Everyday training keeps folks sharp and tuned in to new safety protocols. I’ve seen new hires spot aging bottles that everyone else ignored—fresh eyes keep storage honest.
Visible Commitment and Accountability
Supervisors set the tone. A manager who drops by with a checklist shows storage isn’t optional. Audits unlock problems before regulators do. Sites providing ongoing learning—not just annual refreshers—end up with better storage habits. Over years spent walking those labs, I felt safest knowing everyone from the tech to the director looked out for mistakes before they happened.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 1-bromo-4-chlorobutane |
| Other names |
1-Brom-4-chlorbutan
4-Chlorobutyl bromide 4-Chloro-1-bromobutane 1-Bromo-4-chlorobutane Tetramethylene chlorobromide |
| Pronunciation | /waɪˈbrəʊməʊˌfɔːrˌklɔːrəˌbjuːteɪn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 6940-78-9 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1121562 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:64342 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL49997 |
| ChemSpider | 21008 |
| DrugBank | DB08187 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.021.204 |
| EC Number | 214-023-8 |
| Gmelin Reference | 1042 |
| KEGG | C18807 |
| MeSH | D064370 |
| PubChem CID | 12405 |
| RTECS number | EJ5950000 |
| UNII | G3H1606G3D |
| UN number | UN2526 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C4H8BrCl |
| Molar mass | 157.48 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | Sweet |
| Density | 1.34 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.) |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble |
| log P | 1.93 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.46 mmHg (25°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 15.4 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -81.7e-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.490 |
| Viscosity | 1.601 cP (20°C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.60 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 241.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -71.7 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -2346.7 kJ/mol |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS02,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302, H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P260, P280, P301+P312, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-2-0 |
| Flash point | 93 °C (closed cup) |
| Autoignition temperature | 380 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 Oral Rat 750 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral rat LD50 = 920 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | CY8575000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 3 ppm |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not established |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
1,4-Dibromobutane
1,4-Dichlorobutane 1-Bromo-4-fluorobutane 1-Bromo-4-iodobutane 1-Chloro-4-bromobutane |
