1,3-Dibromobenzene: Comprehensive Material Profile

What is 1,3-Dibromobenzene?

1,3-Dibromobenzene stands as a vital chemical compound in the aromatic halogenated hydrocarbon family. Produced in a crystalline, solid form, this material draws attention from a wide range of industries, from pharmaceuticals to materials science. Chemists know it under the molecular formula C6H4Br2, with a molecular weight of 235.90 g/mol. Its unique structure includes a benzene ring substituted at the 1 and 3 positions with bromine atoms. Most users working in labs or manufacturing see it as off-white to pale yellow flakes or crystalline powder. It often comes in sealed containers to preserve its stability and control environmental exposure. This substance remains insoluble in water and resists breakdown under normal conditions, requiring deliberate chemical processes to transform or degrade it. Its melting point rests near 86–88°C, and it transitions to a liquid state at higher temperatures, but most operations rely on its stable solid form for handling and processing.

Properties and Structure

Holding a hexagonal ring as its backbone, 1,3-Dibromobenzene offers more than its appearance suggests. Its symmetrical arrangement influences both chemical reactivity and physical behavior. In routine handling, you find 1,3-Dibromobenzene dense, with a measured density around 1.98 g/cm³ at room temperature. This high density compared to unsubstituted benzene speaks to the effect of two heavy bromine atoms locked onto the aromatic ring. While this chemical shows little affinity for water, it dissolves in organic solvents like diethyl ether or chloroform, suiting it for applications in organic synthesis and as a building block for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty polymers. I recall working in a synthetic chemistry lab where 1,3-Dibromobenzene played a central role in assembling complex organic molecules—its two spaced bromine atoms made it ideal for controlled substitution reactions. In those years, the substance’s consistent melting profile and resistance to oxidation simplified our storage protocols and waste management strategies. The stable, robust crystals held up well through many cycles of heating and cooling, without the unpredictable behavior sometimes seen in less pure chemical stocks.

Specifications

Purchasing managers and lab technicians look for clear metrics. High-purity 1,3-Dibromobenzene often exceeds 99% purity, with specifications covering appearance (white to light yellow solid or powder), melting range, and precise density. Packaged typically in glass bottles or polyethylene containers, the material prevents reaction with atmospheric moisture and other contaminants. Hydrocarbon impurities and residual bromotoluene or tribromobenzene are quantified to ensure the substance meets both research and manufacturing requirements. Typical container volumes span from several grams in standard lab kits to bulk shipments measured in kilograms or liters of crystalline solid, depending on end-use and scale. Every shipment references the HS Code 29036990, categorizing it under halogenated derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons—useful for customs and compliance across borders.

Physical Forms and Uses

Those on production floors and in R&D environments see 1,3-Dibromobenzene shipped in a range of forms: crystalline flakes, fine powders, pearls, and sometimes compressed solids. It owes its versatility to this ability to maintain structural integrity in a variety of textures and particle sizes. During sample weighing, the material clings together gently and maintains a crisp, grainy feel. In small-scale chemistry classes, the unmistakable scent of halogenated benzenes reminds technicians to handle the jars in fume hoods, minimizing exposure and risk. For those manufacturing specialty plastics or synthesizing new drugs, the compound acts as an intermediary—its bromo groups provide anchor points for further molecular construction. Having prepared multiple batches as a graduate student, I learned to appreciate the low reactivity toward light and air, reducing the need for elaborate storage. Process engineers favor its relatively high purity and straightforward handling requirements, noting that the solid form stores well under dry, sealed conditions at ambient temperatures.

Chemical Safety, Hazards, and Environmental Impact

Safe handling of 1,3-Dibromobenzene means recognizing its hazardous properties. Acute effects from contact or inhalation translate into irritation of mucous membranes, skin, and eyes. Training sessions emphasize the importance of protective gloves, goggles, and ventilation—common sense in chemical labs, yet worth repeating. Spills call for containment and careful cleanup using inert absorbents to prevent exposure; workers should avoid letting the material escape into water sources, as halogenated aromatics can persist and accumulate in the environment. Material safety data sources list 1,3-Dibromobenzene as harmful if swallowed or inhaled, with risks of respiratory irritation and possible organ effects. Those who dispose of or recycle chemical waste must treat it under hazardous waste protocols, guided by both local and international regulations.

Role as a Raw Material

From the perspective of fine chemical manufacturing and materials research, 1,3-Dibromobenzene operates as much more than a simple reactant. It inspires synthetic strategies for advanced products. As a raw material, it serves as a launching pad for coupling reactions, forming new bonds with metals or functional groups—its two bromines become points of connection. Many electronic components, specialty coatings, and custom polymers owe their existence partly to the careful use of such aromatic bromides. Rather than being relegated to specialty niches, the substance finds new uses as research into sustainable and advanced technologies deepens. Demand fluctuates depending on innovation cycles in pharmaceuticals and electronics; experience shows that robust global sourcing and responsible production keep labs and factories supplied safely and reliably.

Conclusion on Application, Handling, and Compliance

Understanding the layout of 1,3-Dibromobenzene’s physical and chemical nature enriches the decision-making around procurement, safety, and research. My years spent handling, specifying, and teaching about aromatic halides reinforced this: reliable sourcing, strict safety adherence, and respect for purity all lead to better outcomes for workers, customers, and end-users. Each time a milligram is weighed or a flask is charged, the right balance of caution, expertise, and appreciation for chemical detail maintains confidence and safety in both small-scale research and global supply chains. Scientific progress often rides on such compounds—selected not just for their reactivity, but for the discipline they demand and the opportunities they open.

Key Data Summary

  • Chemical Name: 1,3-Dibromobenzene
  • HS Code: 29036990
  • Formula: C6H4Br2
  • Molecular Weight: 235.90 g/mol
  • Physical Form: Flakes, powder, crystals, pearls
  • Color: Off-white to pale yellow
  • Density: ~1.98 g/cm³ at 20°C
  • Melting Point: 86–88°C
  • Solubility: Practically insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents
  • Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed; irritating to eyes, respiratory system, and skin
  • Packing: Sealed containers, kilograms to liter-equivalent volumes
  • Storage Conditions: Cool, dry place; airtight container
  • Raw Material Use: Synthesis of pharmaceuticals, polymers, agrochemicals, specialty chemicals