1-Bromohexadecane: Detailed Overview for Chemical Use and Handling

What is 1-Bromohexadecane?

1-Bromohexadecane stands out in the family of alkyl halides for its long hydrocarbon chain and unique chemical halogenation. It holds the molecular formula C₁₆H₃₃Br, giving it both significant hydrophobicity and moderate reactivity compared to shorter-chain bromoalkanes. 1-Bromohexadecane’s structure shows a single bromine atom bonded to the terminal carbon of a sixteen-carbon saturated chain. The length of its carbon backbone leads to a distinctive set of physical behaviors, including high melting and boiling points for a brominated compound, thanks to a strong London dispersion force network between extended chains. As a specialty alkyl bromide, it plays critical roles in organic synthesis, surface modification, and polymer production.

Physical and Chemical Properties

At room temperature, 1-Bromohexadecane typically appears as a white to slightly off-white crystalline powder or as pearly flakes, depending on storage and handling conditions. Some processes produce it in a dense, waxy solid or pearlized form, and with enough heat above its melting point, it turns into a clear, colorless or faintly yellowish liquid. Its melting point sits near 18–25°C, so it may show both solid and liquid phases under mild laboratory temperatures. In practical laboratory and industrial handling, density clocks in around 1.032 g/cm³, which influences layer separation during extractions and emulsification steps. The molecular weight reaches 321.35 g/mol, a fact important for dosing and precision in chemical synthesis—especially in cases requiring stoichiometric accuracy or hazardous material controls.

Structure and Specification

1-Bromohexadecane features a simple, linear structure: a terminal bromine atom (–Br) anchors at the end of a sixteen-carbon alkyl chain. This geometry builds in both chemical selectivity and relative stability during standard operations. With minimal branching, the molecule resists many types of side reactions that complicate homologous alkyl halides in multi-step syntheses. Commercial specifications generally focus on purity above 98%, supported by gas chromatography or NMR. The absence of unsaturated sites or aromatic rings means less risk during storage—no spontaneous polymerization or oxidative degradation under dark, dry conditions.

Regulatory Classification and HS Code

Global trade identifies 1-Bromohexadecane with the Harmonized System (HS) Code 2903.39, classing it among organobromine compounds. Accurate labeling with this code matters because customs and safety officers enforce controlled handling for international shipments, since many alkyl halides fall under hazardous material lists. Safe storage and classification also reduce unwanted regulatory delays or possible fines in major export markets.

Forms, Supply, and Packaging

This material ships most often in solid or semi-solid forms, with some suppliers offering bulk liquid in drums for high-throughput applications. It can show up as powder, crystalline flakes, or large waxy pearls, all of which need sealed, air-tight containers due to sensitivity to light, heat, and moisture. Suppliers choose polyethylene or fluoropolymer linings, avoiding glass or bare metal due to the molecule’s tendency to react with strong bases or certain metals. Storage at room temperature may create some softening or pooling—the inherent low melting point means temperature swings lead to form variation during transport or storage.

Applications and Raw Material Role

Few compounds bridge laboratory chemistry and large-scale industrial manufacturing as neatly as 1-Bromohexadecane. The molecule serves as a raw material for modifying surfaces, especially in creating hydrophobic thin films or tailoring polymer architectures. Many research projects use it for synthesizing long-chain quaternary ammonium salts, surfactants, or ionic liquids. In medicinal chemistry, it sometimes acts as a building block for complex lipophilic compounds that interact with membrane proteins. Its controlled reactivity allows for nucleophilic substitution at the bromo group, so manufacturers can graft the alkyl chain onto other structures cleanly. The main draw comes from producing customized surfactants or specialty molecules for emulsification and phase transfer.

Safety, Hazards, and Handling

Given its size and functional group, 1-Bromohexadecane requires thoughtful handling procedures. Direct skin or eye contact leads to irritation, a risk for anyone weighing, transferring, or blending this compound in semi-open vessels. The molecule presents a moderate toxicity if ingested or absorbed, reflecting the wider risk profile shared by medium-chain alkyl bromides. Inhalation risks remain mild due to low vapor pressure, but any heated transfers should use good local ventilation since brominated volatiles carry additional hazards. Environmental persistence needs more research, but nonpolar solvents can solubilize leaks, so accidental spills require sweeping and specialized absorbents—not simply water washing. Personal protective equipment, like nitrile gloves and chemical splash goggles, becomes a must. Emergency procedures call for washing exposed skin with soap and copious water, and collecting spills in sealed containers to avoid environmental contamination.

Material Data and Analytical Specifications

Reliable verification rests on analytical techniques such as NMR spectroscopy, IR, or gas chromatography, which can spot the unique fingerprint of the bromoalkyl chain. Specifications demand low levels of water, non-reactive packaging, and established shelf-life documentation. Laboratories privately report the importance of quality certifications—such as ISO or REACH registration—since many industrial buyers tie their procurement process to documented hazard controls and traceability.

Opportunities for Safer and More Efficient Use

Safety and environmental awareness in handling alkyl halides influence both laboratory practice and industrial design. Substitution chemistry often produces waste containing bromide ions or trace organics, and there’s a growing responsibility to recover and treat these byproducts. Alternative packaging, smart automation, and engineered controls can reduce manual exposure risks. Transfer protocols with closed systems or glove boxes protect workers, especially in small-scale pilot or educational labs. For large users, onsite reclamation and recycling—either of spent solvents or residual bromine—cut both disposal costs and greenhouse gas potential. Process engineers and scientists should keep investing in green chemistry routes that minimize byproduct waste and switch to safer, high-boiling alternatives where the reactivity profile allows. Ultimately, the long-chain, single-bromo structure provides reliable chemical performance, as long as those who buy and use it take the right precautions and keep innovating safer process flows.