1-Bromo-2-Chloroethane: Raw Material Profile

What is 1-Bromo-2-Chloroethane?

1-Bromo-2-Chloroethane steps up as a specialty halogenated hydrocarbon. Chemical producers, researchers, and industrial chemists recognize it under the molecular formula C₂H₄BrCl. At the atomic level, this compound carries one bromine atom and one chlorine atom attached to a two-carbon ethane backbone. Its structure features a chloro group on one carbon and a bromo group on the other, creating a molecule that stands out during organic transformations and synthesis tasks across various sectors.

Physical Properties

Experience in handling this chemical proves it flows as a colorless liquid under ambient conditions, with a density around 1.67 g/cm³ at 20 °C. Its relatively high boiling point, usually near 117–119 °C, means it doesn’t evaporate rapidly at room temperature, so storing it in a sealed environment matters. Its molecular weight lands at 143.41 g/mol, which impacts dosing calculations in the lab. Slightly soluble in water but more eager to mix with ethers and alcohols, this material calls out for precise compatibility checks before mixing with unfamiliar substances. With a faint, sweet odor characteristic of halogenated ethanes, anyone who has ever worked with related compounds can spot it quickly in chemical storage or during transfer.

Chemical Properties

Each sample of 1-Bromo-2-Chloroethane exhibits moderate reactivity. Its halogen atoms serve as leaving groups, letting organic chemists manipulate the molecule in substitution or elimination reactions. These functional groups make it valuable as an intermediate when building pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty materials. The molecule itself resists rapid decomposition under normal storage but requires caution with strong bases or prolonged high heat, where unplanned side reactions might produce hazardous byproducts. Working with it brings a sense of respect for its stability within set boundaries—accidents can spring up quickly when ignoring safe reaction protocols.

Appearance: Form and Packaging

In typical distribution, 1-Bromo-2-Chloroethane ships as a pure, clear liquid in tightly sealed glass or high-density polyethylene containers. It does not present as flakes, powder, pearls, or solid crystals at room temperature, so its liquid state remains the default for every bulk package and laboratory sample. Drums, bottles, and liter-scale containers help ensure handlers get the right amount, with volumes ranging from 100 milliliters to several liters per drum. Every safe shipment depends on packaging that resists leaks and prevents accidental exposure, since this is no material to handle casually.

Molecular Structure and Specifications

The molecular skeleton, represented by the IUPAC nomenclature as 1-Bromo-2-Chloroethane, places Cl and Br atoms on opposite ends of a simple ethane chain, with the structure reflecting a straightforward but powerful utility for halogen exchange. Specific purity levels often reach above 98%, supported by rigorous gas chromatography or NMR analysis, to meet the demands of analytical, research, and industrial work. Impurities can trigger unwanted side effects or skew process results, so sellers and buyers habitually insist on lot-specific certificates of analysis before releasing a batch for use.

Density and Material Handling

Handling a liquid denser than water, workers should expect spillage or leaks to sink and spread over surfaces quickly. 1-Bromo-2-Chloroethane settles out of aqueous mixtures and demands chemical waste disposal teams apply standard halogenated organic protocols. Because it carries both bromine and chlorine, special attention goes to regulatory guidelines for volatile organic compounds, raw material storage, and separation from oxidizers. Long experience in laboratories shows gloves, goggles, and fume hoods aren’t optional accessories—they are key steps for ensuring nobody faces respiratory or skin hazards during each pour or reaction.

Health, Safety, and Hazard Profile

Working up close with halogenated ethanes teaches the user respect for chemical safety. 1-Bromo-2-Chloroethane is classified as harmful, with risks including skin and eye irritation, possible harm if inhaled, and environmental persistence. Chronic exposure brings concerns about nervous system effects, so high-volume users equip their teams with PPE and up-to-date safety training. Safety data sheets outline emergency eye washing procedures and spill cleanup, while secure storage areas with locked ventilation cabinets keep casual contact out of the routine. Health professionals flag this material under hazardous chemical lists, and emergency responders approach spills and exposures with respiratory protection and chemical-resistant suits.

HS Code and Global Transport

International shipment of 1-Bromo-2-Chloroethane operates under the HS Code 29033990, falling in the category for other halogenated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons. Every carton or drum headed for export or import must carry this code for customs clearance. Regulations surrounding this code range from safety awareness during loading and unloading, to transparent labeling and appropriate MSDS sheets attached throughout transit, right up through customs brokers and supply chain managers who must answer for every detail in the paperwork. Experience with chemical logistics always means triple-checking that cargo handlers and warehouse staff know what to do with a vessel of 1-Bromo-2-Chloroethane, especially when moving through tightly regulated borders or ports.

Raw Material Use and Potential Solutions

1-Bromo-2-Chloroethane sees most of its industrial life as a raw material. Its role in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, and advanced polymers puts it at the beginning of important manufacturing chains. Chemists crave its halogen exchange versatility for tailor-making reaction partners and intermediates. As chemical safety and environmental regulations tighten, companies rethink containment systems and personal monitoring technology, planning for leak detection and rapid cleanup. Safer alternatives and green chemistry methods come onto the radar, urging innovators to trim toxic byproducts, improve yield-to-waste ratios, and use redundant containment. Practical progress means equipping every handler with real-time exposure sensors, mandatory spill drills, and clear emergency communication lines to address the stubborn risks attached to halogenated raw materials.