1-Bromobutane: Insight into an Essential Organic Halide
Historical Development
Organic chemistry grew quickly in the nineteenth century, and chemists found that adding halogens to hydrocarbons brought new possibilities. 1-Bromobutane first entered the scene as part of the broad push to identify the reactivity of simple alkyl halides. Laboratories in Germany and Britain, searching for more reliable alkylating agents during the late 1800s, landed on this compound because it connected straightforward synthesis with desirable reactivity. Over time, 1-Bromobutane worked its way into both academic research and industrial processes, especially as the world’s appetite for new pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals increased. Its rise traces the arc of modern synthetic organic chemistry, as the need for tailored molecules surged beyond what nature offered.
Product Overview
1-Bromobutane, often called n-butyl bromide, catches attention among alkyl bromides for its balanced chain length and manageable properties. Its main selling point lies in its role as a versatile intermediate. Chemists regard it as a dependable building block, and manufacturers see it as a starting point for products ranging from plasticizers to flavors. Its presence in labs around the world testifies to both its reliability and usefulness for making more complex compounds with minimal fuss.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Look at a clear, colorless liquid that gives off a faint, sweet odor—the telltale signs of 1-Bromobutane. With a molecular formula of C4H9Br and a molar mass of about 137.02 g/mol, it fits comfortably into the family of straight-chain alkyl bromides. Boiling at roughly 101°C and freezing near -112°C, it handles easily at room temperature. Its density, significantly higher than water at about 1.274 g/cm³, speaks to the bulk added by the bromine atom. Its solubility in water is low, yet it dissolves in alcohols, ethers, and most nonpolar organic solvents. This chemical loves substitution and elimination reactions, putting its reactivity within easy reach for any skilled chemist.
Technical Specifications & Labeling
High-purity grades of 1-Bromobutane typically exceed 99%, and reputable suppliers run rigorous testing for water content and residual impurities. Each unit almost always carries a label with the CAS number 109-65-9, the UN shipping code 2344, and standard hazard statements. You’ll spot flammability and acute toxicity pictograms, plus storage and handling instructions. Users rely on technical data sheets outlining flash points, upper and lower explosive limits, and recommended storage temperatures. Accurate labeling isn’t just a checkbox for compliance—it plays a direct role in safe transfer and inventory control, especially in labs working with closely monitored halogenated organics.
Preparation Method
Traditional methods for making 1-Bromobutane haven’t changed much over the decades. The most common process starts with n-butanol as the raw material. By treating it with hydrobromic acid, with sulfuric acid often added as a catalyst and dehydrating agent, the reaction swaps a hydroxyl group for a bromine atom. Industrial operations scale up this method in batch and continuous processes, seeking yield optimization and waste minimization. Some labs employ red phosphorus and bromine to generate HBr in situ, which streamlines things but brings higher risk. While the method isn’t flashy, its effectiveness keeps it in heavy use to this day.
Chemical Reactions & Modifications
The reputation of 1-Bromobutane in organic synthesis boils down to its performance as a classic alkyl halide. It readily enters nucleophilic substitution reactions, for example, producing butanol or butyl amines without much stubbornness—provided the right nucleophile meets it under suitable conditions. In the presence of strong bases, elimination reactions take over, forming 1-butene or trans-2-butene, with the bromine leaving group paving the path. Grignard reagent formation stands out as another powerful transformation, where magnesium converts 1-bromobutane into n-butylmagnesium bromide, a versatile tool in constructing carbon-carbon bonds. Downstream modifications multiply rapidly from these points, allowing fine-tuning of properties for everything from surfactants to pharmaceuticals.
Synonyms & Product Names
Different circles refer to this compound by more than one name: n-butyl bromide, 1-bromobutane, and butyl bromide appear on packaging and in papers. In international trading and catalogues, you’ll run across its CAS number 109-65-9 as a universal shorthand. Some suppliers may refer to it as straight-chain butyl bromide, emphasizing its structure and separating it from any branched isomers. Familiarity with all these names smooths the path for procurement and research, preventing confusion and misordering for busy chemists and purchasing departments.
Safety & Operational Standards
Safety guidance hangs heavy over brominated organics, and for good reason. 1-Bromobutane demands thoughtful handling due to its toxic and irritant nature, affecting both skin and respiratory system. In my experience, reliable fume extraction, gloves, and goggles aren’t optional—they’re the frontline defense in any lab or plant where this liquid gets poured or pipetted. Its flammability and potential for producing irritating fumes under heat or fire add urgency to emergency response readiness. Storage protocols revolve around cool, well-ventilated conditions, with clear signage segregating it from oxidizers and acids. Regular refresher courses on safe bromide handling make sense for both veterans and newcomers.
Application Area
The true reach of 1-Bromobutane stretches across more fields than most people guess. At one end, it takes a central role in synthesizing quinoline and pyridine derivatives, which feed quickly into pharmaceutical and agrochemical development. In perfumery, it acts as a subtle starter for more elaborate molecules that end up as fragrances. As a reactant in the classic SN2 reaction, it provides a predictable source of the butyl group for educational settings and bench-scale organic synthesis. Some industries leverage its properties in making flotation agents, lubricants, and certain plastic components. Even though it rarely stands as a final product, its fingerprints show up in countless commercial applications that drive everyday conveniences.
Research & Development
Curiosity and competition push research on alternatives and improvements wherever halogenated organics gain use. For 1-Bromobutane, current research digs into more sustainable manufacturing, aiming to lower emissions and reduce hazardous waste associated with mineral acids and direct bromination. Green chemistry initiatives look for solvent replacements or in situ reagent generation, reducing both risk and cost for production runs. Academics remain interested in its role as a substrate in mechanistic studies, using exciting new catalysts and phase-transfer systems that can cut both time and expense in organic transformations. The compound keeps attracting investigation, since each improvement ripples into so many value chains that depend on rapid, reliable synthesis.
Toxicity Research
Concerns about health and safety push toxicity research into the spotlight. Animal studies indicate CNS depression, respiratory irritation, and, at high doses, evidence of organ damage. The compound absorbs through the skin and mucous membranes, and chronic exposure has correlated with headaches, drowsiness, and rare neurological symptoms among workers with little protective gear. Regulatory bodies consider it a substance of concern, so safety data guides not only proper handling but also air monitoring and emergency procedures in research and industry. The knowledge gained from ongoing toxicology work shapes both legal standards and best practices, helping prevent exposures that might otherwise go unrecognized.
Future Prospects
The outlook for 1-Bromobutane sits at an intersection of opportunity and challenge. Demand keeps pace with pharmaceutical innovation and specialty chemical synthesis, but growing attention to environmental footprint calls for new process designs and better waste management. Companies invest in continuous-flow reactors and greener reagents to minimize release of brominated byproducts. Digitalization and automation in chemical manufacturing promise to improve both efficiency and traceability, which benefits worker safety and product quality alike. If advances in recycling and recovery of bromine compounds carry forward, this traditional building block keeps its relevance, even as new molecular techniques and stricter regulations push every manufacturer to evolve. Drawing on a long history of reliability, 1-Bromobutane remains a touchstone for chemists, regulators, and industries who need both performance and progress.
What Does 1-Bromobutane Do in the Real World?
Chemistry students run into 1-bromobutane early on, often in hands-on labs that teach basic organic reactions. Its main draw isn’t flashiness, but usefulness. In my own college days, 1-bromobutane helped me understand how carbon connects, how chemical reactions get steered in a lab, and why building-block molecules matter for things we see or use every day.
A Building Block in Industry
Folks in chemical manufacturing turn to 1-bromobutane as a starting material. It’s a classic “alkyl halide,” a four-carbon molecule where a bromine atom replaces a hydrogen. This makes it reactive in the right hands: a springboard for making larger, more complicated chemicals. It’s not rare to find it involved in making pharmaceuticals, perfumes, and even agricultural chemicals. The carbon-bromine bond, so eager to swap out the bromine, opens doors for new chemical structures.
Walk into a scent factory, and it’s not hard to believe that simple molecules form the backbone of rich fragrances. 1-bromobutane plays a role in creating esters, which are used for their fresh smells. It can get turned into butyl alcohol and eventually into those familiar, pleasant aromas that wind up on bathroom shelves or in cleaning products.
A Flexible Tool in Synthesis
Learning new reactions counts for a lot in chemistry. I remember how 1-bromobutane made life easier in the lab. Since it carries both a relatively short carbon chain and a bromine atom, it reacts well in “nucleophilic substitution” reactions. These reactions show up everywhere — in textbooks, in hands-on projects, and in the workday of chemists looking for a reliable, teachable molecule.
No one wants a molecule that just sits on the shelf. 1-bromobutane rarely collects dust. For example, it helps scientists make pharmaceuticals by connecting the right pieces together in one reliable step. A chemist can use it to tack on a “butyl” group onto a more complicated molecule, shaping the building block for painkillers, heart medication, or other drugs. The uses grow from there: flame retardants for plastics, lubricants for heavy machines, and solvents for cleaning or coating surfaces.
Health, Safety, and Environmental Impact
Work with chemicals often comes with a catch. 1-bromobutane can irritate skin, eyes, and lungs if handled carelessly. I’ve always remembered the sting on my arm when my glove broke during a sophomore lab. Those lessons stick with you and drive home the need for gloves, goggles, and good ventilation.
There’s another side to think about: the environment. Like most halogenated compounds, 1-bromobutane can hang around in soil and water. Factories can minimize leaks or accidental spills with better containment and regular staff training. Companies can switch to recycling cleaned solvents or use greener alternatives where possible, trimming down on waste and run-off.
Looking for Better Practice
The story of 1-bromobutane shows the give-and-take in modern chemistry. On one hand, the material helps create products we count on, speeding up manufacturing and powering scientific discovery. On the other hand, working safely and cleaning up after production takes just as much care. Newer methods, like using renewable feedstocks or catalytic alternatives, promise safer working conditions and less harm downstream. Keeping an eye on both the promise and the risk makes good chemistry, both in the lab and in life.
Understanding 1-Bromobutane’s Boiling Point
1-Bromobutane boils at around 101°C. That number comes up often in chemistry labs and technical sheets, but it’s more than just an entry in a table. For anyone who’s handled organic solvents in a fume hood or tried to run a distillation, getting that boiling point right saves time, money, and sometimes even your skin from a chemical burn. Reliable temperature data reduces guesswork and brings needed clarity to process planning.
In my own time running undergraduate organic labs, the smell of 1-bromobutane always stood out during reflux reactions. The temperature dialed up to just above boiling, and you could count on that clean distillation head keeping unwanted water or alcohols from slipping past. When you need to isolate a product like n-butyl lithium, knowing exactly where this compound vaporizes stops co-distillation with delicate materials. Students appreciated clear instructions: turn down the heat once the thermometer reads 101°C, otherwise valuable product floats off with the ether cloud.
Why Boiling Points Matter Beyond the Bench
A laboratory isn’t the only setting where this value offers guidance. In factories making pharmaceuticals or specialty plastics, an accurate boiling point means pumps deliver exactly the right pressure settings. Losses from premature evaporation don’t just waste raw materials — they eat into profit margins and ramp up risks for workers.
Boiling points act like traffic signs for chemical engineers and plant operators. They say when to build a condenser, how tall to make fractionating columns, and which safety sensors to install. Over- or underestimating volatility leads to product loss, contamination, or accidents. For example, a miscalculated temperature could fill a work space with toxic or flammable vapors, making safety valves or personal protection equipment a final line of defense.
Transparency in Reporting Physical Data
Reliable boiling points come from experimental measurement. Merck, the CRC Handbook, and the Material Safety Data Sheets for 1-bromobutane all land in the 100–102°C range. This agreement supports lab safety and troubleshooting, and highlights the value of quality control in science publishing. Falsified or outdated data has real-world consequences: recalling mislabeled drums or reworking entire production batches drains resources.
Teaching students and technicians to cross-check more than one source or look for a recent peer-reviewed citation builds a healthier safety culture. Training shouldn’t accept single-point data from unreliable web pages — trustworthy values stem from decades of controlled measurements.
Paths Toward Safer and Smarter Handling
Knowledge enables prevention. Sharing up-to-date boiling point information gets infused in protocols, training, and signage. When researchers understand the hazards associated with low-boiling compounds, ventilation planning and fire risks can be managed. For companies, using green chemistry databases or supplier transparency reduces supply chain headaches and puts a spotlight on safe sourcing.
Experience reminds us: trust the data, check twice, and keep safety front and center. Precise knowledge of 1-bromobutane’s boiling point creates fewer headaches and safer spaces for everyone involved in the life cycle of this chemical.
Understanding 1-Bromobutane
Working in a chemistry lab means bumping into all sorts of chemicals. 1-Bromobutane, a clear liquid with a sweetish odor, often pops up as a reagent or solvent. At first glance, it might not seem that risky. Sharing my experience, just catching a whiff redirects your attention quick—strong, almost medicinal. Within seconds, headache starts tapping at your temple. So, overlooking its hazards would be a mistake.
Health Risks and Direct Exposure
Direct contact with 1-bromobutane spells trouble. Splashing it onto your skin or into your eyes burns right away. It absorbs fast, sometimes leading to blisters or persistent irritation. I once saw a lab partner splash a tiny bit onto his forearm. Skin reddened within minutes and stayed sore for days. Inhaling the vapors triggers coughing or dizziness, particularly if there's poor ventilation. In extreme cases, extended inhalation can kick off central nervous system depression. Fumbling with simple tasks, finding words slipping your mind, feeling lightheaded—all these can sneak up pretty fast.
Swallowing small amounts shouldn't even be entertained. Gastrointestinal pain, vomiting, and potential nerve impacts can spiral from what seems like an insignificant accident. Reports from industrial settings show that repeated or prolonged exposure can worsen neurological symptoms, sometimes contributing to chronic fatigue or memory lapses. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) hasn't declared it a known carcinogen, but studies on similar chemicals show possible links to cancer after long-term high-level exposure.
Environmental Hazards and Indirect Risks
Spilling 1-bromobutane outside a controlled lab environment brings its own raft of problems. The chemical doesn't break down well in water and can persist underground, sneaking into water supplies. Aquatic life faces significant danger since the compound is toxic to many species even in low concentrations. One small leak at a storage facility in my area led to a full-blown containment operation, with local authorities warning fishers away for weeks.
Anyone handling this chemical should think past the immediate. Fumes can drift, and improper disposal might send it into groundwater or the broader environment. Mishaps during transport or storage, like cracked containers, can turn into community health emergencies overnight.
Reducing Harm: What Works in Practice
Practical protection starts with solid personal protective equipment—regular gloves and safety goggles just don’t cut it. Thick nitrile gloves, full face shields, and chemical-resistant aprons help prevent direct exposure. In labs where I worked, anyone handling bulk 1-bromobutane used fume hoods. Proper ventilation isn’t just a rule, it keeps headaches and memory fog at bay.
Storing this chemical separately from heat and ignition sources brings peace of mind, since it evaporates and catches fire easily. Labs and workplaces keep surfactants handy for spills, and all contaminated material heads to hazardous waste—not the trash bin. I’ve found clear labeling and staff training go a long way. Gear and training can sound like overkill, but all it takes is one slip to change opinions.
Steps for a Safer Future
Greater transparency from manufacturers about chemical risks gives workers a fighting chance. Real-time detection devices could help spot vapor leaks early. Digital safety protocols and emergency drills ensure teams know what to do if something goes wrong. Sharing incident reports between companies and schools could prevent repeat accidents.
People often ignore low-level exposure until problems show up. Regular health check-ups for those who work with 1-bromobutane make sense, helping catch neurological issues before they settle in. It pays to check local regulations, too—some countries enforce tighter limits and require regular environmental testing. Stricter rules paired with tough enforcement prevent shortcuts that endanger health and ecosystems alike.
Understanding 1-Bromobutane in the Real World
Ask anyone who’s spent time in a teaching lab or production plant, handling clear liquids with complicated names—chemicals like 1-bromobutane demand more than the usual respect. This material carries both fire and health hazards, and the right approach at the shelf or cabinet stops a lot of headaches before they start. So, it goes beyond following a checklist; it’s about putting good habits into daily practice.
The Facts About 1-Bromobutane
1-Bromobutane—a colorless, flammable liquid, smells a little like gasoline and feels slick. Breathing in vapors can trigger nose and throat irritation, or worse if it’s handled carelessly. Even basic skin contact can bring on redness and discomfort. The material catches fire with about as much ease as regular lighter fluid, giving off toxic fumes in a blaze. There’s no way to ignore the risk.
No-Nonsense Storage Tactics
I’ve watched experienced lab techs treat this stuff a lot like strong liquor in a kitchen: lid on tight, bottle upright, and never near the stove. For 1-bromobutane, the right bottle matters too. Glass or plastic containers with strong screw caps, approved by chemical safety standards, make spills much less likely. Storing it away from direct sunlight is a habit worth keeping. Heat can mess with chemicals, sometimes leading to pressure build-up or even a container bursting, which poses danger to people and equipment nearby.
You’ll never find 1-bromobutane alongside oxidizers or acids on a storage rack in labs that value safety. Throw the wrong materials together, and you’re asking for a chemical reaction that could lead to fire or an explosion. People sometimes underestimate this risk until they read about incidents that have shut down whole buildings.
Practical Tips for a Safer Workplace
A well-marked label—clear, legible, with the hazard symbols right up front—is as important as the cap on the bottle. Checking containers for cracks and leaks before putting them away means catching problems early. Even small leaks add up to big dangers, especially if nobody notices them for days or weeks.
The chemical should always sit on a low, vented shelf, not up high or mixed in with random supplies. Lockable, flame-proof cabinets work best, especially where there’s a lot of foot traffic or young students who may not appreciate the risks yet. It makes a world of difference to separate flammable chemicals from simple office supplies or even glassware—fewer opportunities for mistakes that way.
Thinking Beyond the Bottle
Training and repetition save lives. Every semester, new students or junior staff arrive with good intentions and sometimes shaky hands. Going over the storage basics during orientation sticks better than handing over a stack of safety handouts. Drills and reminders push everyone toward the habits that matter most—tight lids, right shelves, thorough labels, fast clean-ups.
In case something does spill, absorbent pads and properly labeled disposal containers belong nearby—easy to spot, easy to use. A quick response stops a small accident from turning into a fire department call.
Looking Out for Each Other
Safe storage protects more than property. It shields people’s lungs, skin, and peace of mind. Good practices take more than rules—they depend on real respect for what chemicals can do when they’re handled thoughtlessly. Most of all, they call for a little extra care, each day, every time that bottle’s put away.
Decoding the Structure
Getting to the heart of 1-bromobutane really comes down to a simple formula: C4H9Br. That means four carbon atoms, nine hydrogen atoms, and one bromine atom. I remember the first time I spotted this formula in the lab, it seemed straightforward. In practice, though, every element tells a part of the story about how this molecule behaves and where it finds a home in industry and daily life.
Chemistry in the Real World
Everyone who spent time in an organic chemistry lab gets familiar with molecules like 1-bromobutane. It's more than a classroom example. This compound shows up in real-world reactions. Its structure makes it a classic choice for practicing nucleophilic substitution—an important reaction for students and professionals alike.
Why 1-Bromobutane Matters
C4H9Br’s value isn’t locked away in textbooks. It plays a key role in producing medicines, fragrances, and even some types of fuel additives. There’s also a strong link to research—companies and universities rely on it for testing new reaction pathways. Many everyday items, including cleaning products and synthetic materials, trace their beginning back to a simple alkyl halide like this one.
Keeping Things Safe
Using chemicals like 1-bromobutane always brings up questions of safety, both in the lab and out in the world. Those four carbons and single bromine atom give it a clear, colorless look, but it’s still considered hazardous. Mishandling or accidental release can lead to environmental harm and health risks. I’ve seen protocols improve over the years. Proper labeling, up-to-date storage guidelines, and clear communication between team members reduce risks. Training isn’t just paperwork—real lives depend on it.
Improving Practices in Science and Industry
Industries that rely on compounds like C4H9Br benefit from tighter regulations and better equipment. I once visited a production facility where digital tracking systems automatically logged every transfer and use. The shift from paper records to digital meant errors dropped and response times improved. Moving forward, stronger partnerships between regulatory bodies and industry can drive changes. Technologies that reduce waste and encourage recycling of halogenated compounds offer a pathway to minimize the environmental impact.
Building Knowledge for the Future
Learning the molecular formula of 1-bromobutane helps kickstart bigger conversations about chemistry’s role in society. Mastering simple formulas opens doors to deeper understanding. I saw it firsthand with students who felt intimidated at first; recognizing patterns in carbon chains made complex reactions less mysterious. Promoting access to chemistry education, clear resources, and hands-on practice creates a future workforce ready to handle—and improve—the processes surrounding compounds like 1-bromobutane.
Closing Thoughts
Science doesn’t happen in isolation. Every chemist, teacher, and technician plays a role in making sure molecules like 1-bromobutane are used wisely. Understanding its formula is more than a quiz answer—it’s the first step toward meaningful progress.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 1-Bromobutane |
| Other names |
n-Butyl bromide
Butyl bromide 1-Bromobutyl n-Butane bromide |
| Pronunciation | /waɪˈbrəʊ.məˌbjuː.teɪn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 109-65-9 |
| Beilstein Reference | 3560520 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:35898 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1080 |
| ChemSpider | 14241 |
| DrugBank | DB03760 |
| ECHA InfoCard | The ECHA InfoCard of product '1-Bromobutane' is **"100.003.961"**. |
| EC Number | 203-695-5 |
| Gmelin Reference | Gmelin 8221 |
| KEGG | C01780 |
| MeSH | D001942 |
| PubChem CID | 8008 |
| RTECS number | EJ0700000 |
| UNII | NID355GXCM |
| UN number | UN1126 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C4H9Br |
| Molar mass | 137.02 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | Sweet odor |
| Density | 1.276 g/mL at 25 °C |
| Solubility in water | 6.2 g/L (20 °C) |
| log P | 2.89 |
| Vapor pressure | 2.7 kPa (at 20 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | pKa ≈ 50 |
| Basicity (pKb) | pKb: 15.1 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -67.0×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | nD 1.439 |
| Viscosity | 2.09 mPa·s (at 20 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.29 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 229.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -139.6 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | –2871.8 kJ·mol⁻¹ |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | ["GHS02", "GHS07"] |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H226, H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P271, P273, P280, P301+P310, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P337+P313, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, P501 |
| Flash point | 38 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 373 °C |
| Explosive limits | 1.6–8.4% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): 3,500 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | 2,190 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | WA6175000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) of 1-Bromobutane: 100 ppm (OSHA) |
| REL (Recommended) | 5 ppm |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | 200 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
1-Chlorobutane
1-Iodobutane 1-Fluorobutane Butan-1-ol Butyl bromide |
