2-Bromobutyric Acid: Material Overview and Key Characteristics

What is 2-Bromobutyric Acid?

2-Bromobutyric Acid is a halogenated carboxylic acid built on a four-carbon chain, carrying a bromine atom at the second position. This structural twist brings a sharp shift in its chemical behavior compared to butyric acid. Its formula, C₄H₇BrO₂, signals a material formed by the controlled introduction of bromine, bridging the gap between simple organics and the practical building blocks used in specialty synthesis. Chemists and industry workers see it as a bridge between starting materials and more complex molecules. Its importance stretches across pharmaceuticals, agrochemical precursors, and other sectors. Scientists prize its unique reactivity, which means it’s more than just another shelf item: it’s a critical cog in product development.

Product Forms and Physical Properties

You won’t always spot 2-Bromobutyric Acid as a neat white powder, but that’s the form it often takes under standard lab conditions. At room temperature, it can drift between powder and crystalline solid, sometimes even as flakes or pearl-like grains depending on particle size and the handling environment. It won’t always behave the same during transport or when exposed to air. Fresh batches sometimes appear as clear or slightly yellowish crystals, hinting at variations due to production or storage. It has a specific density in the range of 1.5 to 1.7 g/cm³, which reflects a fairly dense organic compound, useful info whether you’re measuring it out for a reaction or wondering about storage requirements. Head into the lab, dissolve this acid in methanol or ether and it goes into solution quickly enough, but making sure your scale and tools are dry matters, because it will start reacting with water if left open for too long.

Molecular Structure and Formula Details

The molecular structure features a carboxyl group at one end and a bromine atom attached at the second carbon, making it a classic example of an alpha-brominated acid. Structurally, the backbone looks like this: Br–CH₂–CH₂–COOH. The molar mass sits at roughly 167.01 g/mol, making it a midweight compound in organic chemistry. The presence of bromine creates a polarization in the molecule, so reactivity targets the alpha carbon. It can function as a versatile starting material if you want to branch into new pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, or specialty polymers.

Specifications and HS Code

Standard commercial samples come with a purity of 98% or higher—minor impurities spell trouble in a synthetic pathway. Each batch should show identification via gas chromatography, melting point analysis, and sometimes infrared spectroscopy to rule out contamination. The Harmonized System (HS) code for 2-Bromobutyric Acid typically falls under 2915.90.7090, classing it as an organic carboxylic acid with additional compounds, often flagged for controlled trading due to its potential downstream uses. Any shipment or order in large volume requires strict documentation, especially in cross-border transport, since these control lists change frequently.

Material Handling: Safe Use and Hazards

Anyone handling 2-Bromobutyric Acid faces real-world challenges: skin and eye contact can lead to irritation, and breathing in its dust isn’t something to take lightly. Industrial settings always rely on gloves, goggles, and sometimes fume hoods for security. Exposure concerns spring from both the raw acid and its vapors—its volatility remains low compared to lighter organics, but airtight storage becomes essential to prevent accidental hydrobromic acid release. Labels mark containers with hazard symbols, and Material Safety Data Sheets call out its classification as harmful and corrosive. Splashes or spills mean neutralizing is urgent, often using a weak base and plenty of ventilation.

Raw Material Role and Chemical Potential

In manufacturing, 2-Bromobutyric Acid functions as a raw material for a host of valuable compounds. Its brominated site kicks off substitution or elimination reactions, yielding intermediates that show up in medication production or pesticide formulation. This characteristic creates opportunities for researchers to develop new compounds with improved efficacy or lower toxicity. The balance between utility and risk never fades in laboratories or production sites; chemists balance its reactivity with caution, aware of its power and potential hazards.

Challenges in Supply Chain and Solutions

Production and distribution create their own headaches ranging from purity demands to safe packaging and timely delivery. Accidental leaks or low-quality containment bring regulatory attention, while inconsistent suppliers can disrupt entire manufacturing schedules. Investing in dedicated storage, continuous monitoring systems, and rigorous supply vetting helps keep the process on track. Education on hazardous materials supports safer workplaces and smoother responses to any accidental exposures. Choosing suppliers who certify batches and ship with clear compliance paperwork minimizes uncertainty for everyone down the line. For anyone new to working with 2-Bromobutyric Acid, direct mentorship and practical in-house training make a difference, turning a potentially risky material into a valuable, well-managed tool.