1-Bromopropane: Properties, Structure, and Key Information

What is 1-Bromopropane?

1-Bromopropane, known by its molecular formula C3H7Br, shows up in the lab as a clear, colorless liquid that carries a faintly sweet odor. Over the years, factories and workshops turned to 1-Bromopropane as a solvent. The reason comes down to its effectiveness in cleaning and its ability to dissolve grease and oil that common soaps leave behind. Industries working with metal parts, electronics, or synthetic fibers look for this specific material when they need something both quick-evaporating and practical. The substance flows easily, handles like standard industrial solvents, and finds its way into many applications thanks to the strong carbon-bromine bond in its structure. Every drum shipped under the HS Code 29033990 contains a product with a boiling point around 71°C, density of 1.353 g/cm³ at 25°C, and a molecular weight of 122.99 g/mol.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Anyone handling 1-Bromopropane gets familiar with its unique set of physical characteristics. It maintains its liquid state at room temperature, sometimes forming tiny droplets if not tightly sealed. This chemical shows little color—just a transparent, watery fluid—but its effects are far from plain. It dissolves fats, waxes, and synthetic polymers, making it valuable as a solvent and degreaser. When poured into a beaker, it blends smoothly with organic solvents like alcohol, ether, or acetone but mostly avoids water. The structure consists of a three-carbon chain with the bromine atom sitting at one end—giving the compound higher density and stronger intermolecular forces than a typical propane molecule. Take a closer look under polarized light and the material reveals no crystalline shapes; it refuses to solidify at usual room or storage conditions, only freezing at -110°C.

Molecular Structure and Formula

The molecular layout of 1-Bromopropane plays a big role in how it acts in chemical reactions. The straight-chain propane backbone with bromine bonded to the first carbon sets it apart from isomers. While chemists represent it as C3H7Br, it contains ten atoms in a single molecule—three carbon, seven hydrogen, and one bromine. This structure delivers a particular set of properties: moderate polarizability, limited hydrogen bonding potential, and a capacity to break down in sunlight through photochemical reactions. From a structural perspective, the bond angles match those found in other simple alkanes but the much heavier bromine atom increases the boiling point and alters the physical feel of the liquid.

Specifications and HS Code

Shippers and manufacturers identify 1-Bromopropane using the international HS Code 29033990, which streamlines global trade and documentation. Typical laboratory-grade material reports purity above 99 percent. Anyone working with this chemical learns about its key identifiers: molecular weight of 122.99, boiling range of 70-72°C, melting point down to -110°C, and flash point as low as 21°C. Every container lists density at 1.353 g/cm³, which makes the liquid noticeably heavier than water—something that matters in both storage and spill prevention. Industrial supply sheets rarely mention powder, crystals, or solid forms because 1-Bromopropane’s physical nature resists solidification in common conditions. Handling remains focused on liquid form in drums, cans, and sealed glass bottles.

Material Safety, Hazards, and Risks

The raw material story for this chemical has a sharp edge. Field tests and safety studies flagged 1-Bromopropane as hazardous. Inhaling vapor causes headaches, confusion, or in extreme cases, unconsciousness. Skin contact stings, and prolonged exposure can provoke numbness or other nervous issues. Regulatory agencies including OSHA and NIOSH list 1-Bromopropane as a chemical requiring careful ventilation and monitoring. Workers need gloves, appropriate goggles, and strong air exchange wherever this solvent comes into play. Anyone using it on an open bench or production line needs quick access to MSDS and modern PPE. Companies often set strict exposure caps, monitor with regular air sampling, and switch to less hazardous substitutes where possible. Routine lab practice keeps spills contained and guides safe disposal through incineration or licensed waste handlers, never down the drain.

Uses, Raw Materials, and Industry Solutions

Factories buy 1-Bromopropane in bulk for a reason: its effectiveness at cleaning and degreasing machine parts, circuit boards, and automotive components. Dry cleaning outfits and adhesive manufacturers value it as a fast-evaporating solvent. Textile plants, especially those working with synthetic fibers, see higher yields and cleaner products when using 1-Bromopropane over older alternatives. Production starts with reaction of propylene or n-propanol with hydrogen bromide—transforming simple hydrocarbons and halogen into a reactive, industrial-grade solvent. Technical and environmental specialists continue to push for improvements in handling, suggesting stronger local exhaust, enclosed processes, and worker health monitoring. Some regions adopted alternative green solvents, showing that industry can innovate beyond traditional halogenated hydrocarbons. My years spent consulting on chemical plant upgrades taught me that choosing safer equipment, investing in worker training, and staying alert to global safety data matter as much as the material’s cleaning power.

Density, Concentration, and Packaging

Anyone ordering or measuring 1-Bromopropane recognizes the importance of its density and concentration. Packing in steel drums or glass bottles follows strict guidelines to prevent leaks, as spills quickly release fumes heavier than air. Liquid densities cluster around 1.353 g/cm³—noticeably immediate when lifting a full liter compared to the same volume of water. Concentrations stay close to pure when intended for research or industrial use; dilution into solutions comes up rarely outside specific applications. Most users avoid solid or powdered forms due to the chemical’s tendency to remain liquid unless cooled far below zero. Follow the numbers and proper container volumes, and transportation stays on the right side of both safety and customs rules.

Conclusion: Material Responsibility and Industry Choices

Scientific expertise grows by learning from each chemical’s strengths and shortfalls. 1-Bromopropane proved its worth but demanded respect for the risks it brings. Knowledge grounded in research, hands-on lab time, and honest hazard assessment sets the stage for both safe use and necessary change. As regulations get stricter and industries innovate, the future of solvent use may swap out old standards for greener, safer alternatives. In the meantime, every liter, drum, and shipment of 1-Bromopropane asks for practical skill, robust documentation, and open conversation with everyone from floor operators to environmental engineers.