1,10-Dibromodecane: An In-Depth Material Commentary

What is 1,10-Dibromodecane (HS Code: 2903399090)?

1,10-Dibromodecane is an organic compound best known by its chemical formula C₁₀H₂₀Br₂. This molecule’s backbone features a straight chain of ten carbon atoms flanked by two bromine atoms, one on each end. I’ve seen this material show up in labs that handle complex synthesis work, especially for companies pushing boundaries in chemical engineering and pharmaceutical intermediates. Unlike a lot of simpler dibromoalkanes, this one doesn’t just provide a template for further reactions; the long carbon chain and bromine atoms open up pathways to make surfactants, specialty polymers, and other functional chemicals that need that even spacing and bromine function. The HS Code underlines that it gets treated in import and export as a bromoalkane, hinting at regulatory scrutiny, transportation safety, and customs paperwork.

Structure, Properties, and Physical Form

The C₁₀ backbone makes the molecule hydrophobic, while the bromines add weight and reactivity. What I notice about 1,10-Dibromodecane—when I’ve actually seen it in containers—is how it can show up as a crystalline solid, but under some conditions it softens to a waxy, almost pearly flake. You don’t see a lot of dust; it isn’t a fine powder, and it isn’t greasy or sticky like shorter bromocarbons. Measurements put the density around 1.35–1.37 g/cm³. That sits heavier than water by far, so spills and containers need planning, especially since brominated organics don’t just run off with water in a cleanup. I’ve seen it melt around 28–32°C—the stuff will be solid on your bench at room temp, but you don’t want to leave it in a hot warehouse. Good labs carry it as flakes or crystals in kilo packs, sealed up because bromine atoms can make it react with air over long periods.

Applications, Specifications, and Raw Materials

Manufacturers turn to 1,10-Dibromodecane mostly for the way it acts as a bridge in multi-step synthesis. You see it in custom surfactants, where the ten-carbon chain provides a backbone, and the terminal bromines react cleanly with nucleophiles to build new molecules. In the polymer world, I’ve watched teams use it to make interesting polyesters and polyamides; bromines let you link ends with precision, and the chain length controls flexibility. Quality specs pretty much demand a purity above 98%, low color (white to off-white), and well-characterized melting point—because off-spec batches play havoc in synthesis. Good suppliers use pure decanol as the main feedstock, then react carefully with bromine under strict conditions, because any leftover oil or improper temperature control can leave you with degraded product or an over-brominated mess.

Handling, Density, and Safety

Density and handling really matter out on the bench and in warehouses. Material in bulk needs sealed storage, kept dry, and away from oxidizers or strong acids. You want to keep it below its melting point, since melted bromoalkanes pose inhalation and skin contact risks, not to mention fire hazards if somebody gets careless with open flames. My experience tells me to treat any brominated organic with extra gloves, goggles, and a quick route to eye wash—skin contact can irritate, and while this molecule isn’t as volatile or acutely toxic as say, bromoform, you don’t want to inhale vapors or dump it down the drain. Data sheets (SDS) warn about harmful effects if ingested or inhaled, and regulatory filings list it as hazardous for shipping, so proper containment and labeling are not just lab traditions—they’re legal mandates.

Chemical Properties and Molecular Formula

Breaking down the chemical properties gives a clearer view why chemists keep reaching for 1,10-Dibromodecane when building new materials. Those terminal bromines make the molecule a consistent electrophile in substitution reactions, while the hydrocarbon chain resists hydrolysis and oxidation in most conditions. The molecular formula C₁₀H₂₀Br₂ puts the mass right around 319.08 g/mol—a significant number when calculating reaction yields or planning kilo-scale runs. The long alkyl chain stays insoluble in water but shows fair solubility in common nonpolar solvents—ideal for organic synthesis but a warning to anyone hoping for easy disposal or spill control via water washes.

Potential Solutions and Safer Practice

Working with 1,10-Dibromodecane calls for practical safety habits, not just for peace of mind, but to protect teams and the environment. Packing in sealed, chemical-resistant drums cuts down on evaporation and accidental exposure. Good scales and regular checks on melting point ensure the raw material quality doesn’t drop between batches. Waste handling must include separation, collection, and specialized disposal; pouring down the drain or burning off small samples as some older chemists have done doesn’t fly with today’s regulations or the concerns over halogenated byproducts. Training teams on chemical hygiene, equipping storage rooms with proper ventilation and fire control, and developing a robust spill response aren’t optional extras. These steps make sure a hazardous but useful raw material like 1,10-Dibromodecane works for us without biting back through contamination, fines, or accidents.