What Is 1-Bromodecane?

1-Bromodecane belongs to the alkyl halide family, a class of organic molecules that show up often in synthetic chemistry and industrial manufacturing. At its core, 1-Bromodecane features a straight-chain decane backbone, ten carbons in a row, with a single bromine atom attached directly to the first carbon. The molecular formula looks straightforward—C₁₀H₂₁Br. Its molar mass weights in at about 221.19 g/mol. You won’t find it sitting around in nature; it usually comes from chemical processes involving n-decane and bromine. Markets trade it with the HS Code 29033990, grouped under halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons, marking it as a chemical made for those who work with specialty organics.

Physical and Chemical Properties

1-Bromodecane pours out as a colorless liquid and shows a clear, oily consistency. There’s a light but unmistakable odor typical of brominated hydrocarbons, which signals the need for proper ventilation in any setting. The density stacks up at about 1.055 g/cm³, heavier than water due to the bromine atom. It sports a boiling point near 241°C (466°F) and slips into freezing at about -8°C (17.6°F). Solubility in water barely registers—at most, a trace will dissolve—which matches up with its long hydrocarbon tail. Instead, it blends well with organic solvents like chloroform, diethyl ether, and alcohol, making it handy for labs and manufacturing outfits looking to introduce or remove a bromine atom during chemical synthesis. Many buyers look for this product in its pure liquid form, able to order specific quantities ranging from beaker-scale samples up to drums by the liter or even larger batches by the ton.

Structure and Appearance

The molecular structure of 1-Bromodecane stands simple yet effective for its uses. Imagine a straight carbon chain, with hydrogen atoms branching off and a lone bromine at the lead. There’s no branching or rings—just a pure alkyl chain, leaving it open for predictable chemical reactions. Most often, 1-Bromodecane ships as a clear, oily liquid, although lower temperatures coax it into a solid, waxy mass. It doesn't show up as flakes, powder, pearls, or crystal under standard room conditions. Still, rapid cooling produces solid forms, though these aren’t preferred in industry since the liquid phase is easier to handle and measure. In storage, the material keeps its liquid character if sealed away from the air and kept above its freezing mark.

Applications and Raw Material Role

This kind of molecule turns up most in organic synthesis labs and chemical production lines where chemists build bigger, more complex carbon skeletons. The bromine atom makes it reactive, an ideal raw material for nucleophilic substitution reactions. This means other atoms or groups can swap places with the bromine, letting researchers stitch together custom molecules for surfactants, pharmaceuticals, or specialty polymers. The long nonpolar decane chain allows for adding hydrophobic “tails” to new molecules, making them behave differently in water or oil. Chemical plants count on reliable specifications: precise molecular weight, high purity, strict density targets, and low water content to make sure reactions run cleanly and waste stays down. I’ve seen how even a trace impurity can change a reaction outcome, causing unexpected byproducts or fouling up a process, so suppliers run tight quality controls on each batch to meet chemical-grade needs.

Safety, Handling, and Hazards

People working with 1-Bromodecane need to know the safety facts. This liquid brings some risks—classified as hazardous, it can irritate skin and eyes, and inhaling its vapors can cause harm. Direct contact should be avoided, so gloves and splash goggles count as basic gear on the shop floor. Working with it in a fume hood or with good ventilation protects against vapor exposure. In spills, the slick nature of the liquid and its volatility present both a fire and environmental hazard, so proper containment and cleanup steps make a difference. Containers must stay tightly closed, stored in a cool spot away from flame sources and oxidizing chemicals. Chemical companies mark all drums and bottles, track their inventory, and train teams to respect the risks—because accidents with raw organics can cascade quickly without careful planning. On the environmental side, its low water solubility means a spill sticks around in soil or water, so safe disposal and spill management are mandatory to keep local ecosystems healthy.

Paths to Safer Use and Future Improvements

There’s always room to cut down risks and improve handling practices around chemicals like 1-Bromodecane. Manufacturers have been stepping up their bottles and barrels with leakproof, impact-resistant packaging, keeping accidental releases off shipping docks and plant floors. Chemists and engineers adopt closed transfer systems and automated dispensing setups when handling drum-scale quantities, cutting the time workers spend exposed to open containers. I’ve worked with teams who train for emergency containment drills, and the difference shows in response times—quick action keeps minor leaks from turning into major incidents. Substitute materials can sometimes provide alternatives with lower health or fire risks, or greener chemistries reduce the impact of waste streams. Industry groups, regulators, and academic researchers share best practices, aiming for higher safety benchmarks each year. For those running smaller lab syntheses, responsible storage and scheduled waste pickups make compliance easier and keep storage rooms safer for everyone who spends time in the lab.