1,2-Dibromobenzene: Product Profile and Characteristics

What is 1,2-Dibromobenzene?

1,2-Dibromobenzene represents a halogenated derivative of benzene known for its versatility in several chemical industries. More than just a synthetic building block, its properties push this compound onto the workbenches of research labs, production lines, and manufacturing operations that handle complex intermediate reactions. Its structure, a benzene ring with two bromine atoms positioned at adjacent carbons, brings unique chemical behaviors versus its mono-brominated or other isomeric forms.

Chemical Structure and Molecular Profile

Sporting the molecular formula C₆H₄Br₂, 1,2-dibromobenzene owns a molar mass of 235.90 g/mol. Its carbon-carbon backbone maintains aromatic stability, while two bromine atoms at the 1 and 2 positions alter the electron density. In practice, that means changes in its interaction with reagents, solubility, and reactivity towards both electrophilic and nucleophilic substitutions. Aromaticity contributes to its persistent solid form at room temperature, helping it maintain shelf stability.

Physical Properties

Solid at ambient conditions, 1,2-dibromobenzene appears as white to off-white flakes or crystalline powder, sometimes transitioning into pearl-like beads depending on handling and processing. These physical forms are easy to measure out and dissolve in a host of organic solvents. Its density sits near 1.98 g/cm³, which stands out compared to unsubstituted aromatics. Melting begins around 21.4°C, meaning at warmer room temperatures or inside a humid workspace, the substance could convert to a clear, oily liquid. A boiling point of about 220°C allows this material to endure moderate thermal processes before vaporizing, making it manageable in controlled industrial settings where safety and recovery of volatile chemicals matter.

Specifications and Common Applications

Commercial producers deliver 1,2-dibromobenzene in crystalline, powdered, or pearl-like states, packed in containers designed for safe transport and minimized contamination. For most applications, purity sits upwards of 98%, measured by standard chromatographic or spectroscopic methods. Some processes, such as organic synthesis of fine chemicals, agricultural products, or specialty polymers, require that kind of high purity. This material acts as a key intermediate for producing dyes, pharmaceuticals, photographic chemicals, and certain rubber additives. Its brominated structure brings both fire retardancy and specific reactivity toward nucleophilic substitutions, which are difficult to achieve with simpler aromatic compounds. In the lab, I have relied on this compound for Suzuki coupling reactions, where the two bromines offer double the opportunity for creating substituted products in a single step.

HS Code and Regulatory Insights

Trade and customs classify 1,2-dibromobenzene under the Harmonized System (HS) code 29036990 for halogenated derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons. Regulations across regions label this substance as hazardous due to both its halogen content and its mild toxicity. Importers, exporters, and processors need to follow international transport, storage, and waste treatment protocols. That regulatory status can slow sourcing or increase costs for smaller businesses or those based in jurisdictions with strict import rules for halogenated aromatic chemicals.

Health, Environmental, and Safety Concerns

This material bears recognizable hazards typical of low-molecular-weight halogenated aromatics. Brief skin contact risks irritation, while inhalation of vapors—though fairly low at room temperature—poses risks to respiratory health. Long-term or repeated exposure could stress the liver and kidneys. In my own work, wearing gloves and using a fume hood isn't negotiable; accidental spills make for a fast clean-up to minimize exposure. Environmental release requires strict controls; 1,2-dibromobenzene shows persistence in soils and waters, and its breakdown leads to potentially toxic byproducts. Responsible chemical management stresses containment, regular monitoring of effluent, and investment into greener chemical alternatives. Waste streams containing this compound require treatment as hazardous, with incineration or specialized remediation as recommended endpoints.

Handling, Storage, and Material Solutions

Chemists regularly store 1,2-dibromobenzene in amber glass containers, away from sunlight, to mitigate any photodecomposition. Dry conditions, plus a cool environment, extend shelf life, since excessive moisture or warmth can change its physical form and spoil its reactivity in planned syntheses. Storage recommendations include secure shelving and proper labeling aligned with GHS (Globally Harmonized System) standards. I’ve seen organizations take extra steps—like secondary containment and spill kits—to account for possible accidents, especially when working with larger quantities. Training and established emergency guidelines keep everyone in the loop, from lab techs to facilities staff.

Future Considerations

Industries and research communities face pressure to reduce reliance on hazardous halogenated compounds. This won’t happen overnight; for many critical syntheses, no cleaner substitute exists that delivers equivalent performance. In the meantime, pushing suppliers toward higher purity grades, source traceability, and better packaging can tackle contamination and exposure risks. Investment into closed-loop processes, more efficient use per unit of product, and more robust recycling or treatment facilities can blunt the environmental footprint. Many companies choose to limit the quantities they keep on hand and rethink workflow bottlenecks to handle sensitive reagents more efficiently. Ultimately, wider adoption of green chemistry principles can reduce danger across all stages of 1,2-dibromobenzene’s life cycle, from production to end use and disposal.