Bromoacetyl Bromide: Description, Properties, and Applications

What is Bromoacetyl Bromide?

Bromoacetyl Bromide appears as a colorless to pale-yellow liquid, known for its sharp, choking odor. This chemical holds a significant place in both laboratory and industrial settings because of its strong acylating power. The formula C2H2Br2O defines its simple yet reactive nature, with a molecular weight of 201.85 g/mol. Its structure draws attention from those in chemistry circles: a two-carbon backbone bearing two bromine atoms, one on each end, connected through a carbonyl. Often, users encounter it as a raw material for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty compounds, which makes its safe handling and storage critical.

Physical Characteristics and Specifications

At standard conditions, Bromoacetyl Bromide behaves as a fuming liquid, easily spreading in the air when handles or decanted. Its melting point sits at -52°C, while boiling occurs at 189°C (with decomposition). With a density of roughly 2.43 g/cm³ at room temperature, it pours thickly and settles quickly in glassware. In storage rooms and transport, the substance is bottled tightly because it reacts fiercely with water, producing toxic hydrobromic acid and bromoacetic acid. Its vapor poses a danger to eyes and pulmonary pathways, sharply underlined by common stories in research labs where a small drip or splash has immediate consequences. I’ve seen gloved hands halted mid-task at the sheer whiff. That caution comes from both first-hand mishaps and hard-earned wisdom among colleagues.

Chemical Properties and Reactivity

The presence of two bromo groups, especially the acyl bromide function, explains Bromoacetyl Bromide’s aggressive chemical profile. It acts as both an electrophile and an irritant, making protective gear non-negotiable. It reacts strongly with nucleophiles, converting simple substances into more functional products. Water, alcohols, and amines trigger vigorous, sometimes violent, reactions, generating heat, gases, and corrosive byproducts. That’s the core of its broad application: introducing bromoacetyl functionality into larger molecules, which later transform into bioactive agents for cancer research, antibiotics, or pesticide analogues. Synthesis protocols always warn about the risk of pressure buildup in sealed systems and the demand for ice-cold conditions to keep things calm. Over the years, many industrial accidents traced back to ignored warnings regarding these reactions.

Appearance and Forms

Unlike other laboratory reagents, Bromoacetyl Bromide doesn’t come in flakes, pearls, powders, or solid blocks. Its liquid form can sometimes hold microcrystals when exposed to low temperatures or if kept for too long. In some settings, a thickened, slightly opaque appearance develops if the substance interacts with air moisture. That shift signals immediate trouble for both purity and safe handling. I’ve learned that keeping plenty of anhydrous drying agents near storage containers goes a long way, especially in humid climates. Some companies offer ampoules topped with inert gas to slow down hydrolysis, but that extra layer of safety never completely removes the need for respect and vigilance.

Molecular Formula, Density, and Other Specifics

Each batch of Bromoacetyl Bromide lists specifications like minimum purity levels (often >98%), density close to 2.43 g/cm³, and content of free bromine or hydrolyzed acid, kept below trace levels for consistency. The molecular formula C2H2Br2O provides quick insight for calculations in synthetic labs; mistakes in molecular weight or stoichiometry mean costly do-overs or even dangerous side-reactions. In industrial settings, liter-scale solutions circulate only in closed glass apparatus with scrubbers for off-gassing toxic vapors. The practice of weighing and diluting inside chemical hoods remains non-negotiable from experience, since accidents with wrists or faces exposed almost always end badly. It pays to double-check bottle seals before every session, because those stings and coughs can turn into emergency room visits in a flash.

HS Code and Regulatory Details

For customs, transport, and taxation purposes, Bromoacetyl Bromide falls under harmonized system (HS) code 29159000, which covers acyl halides and derivatives. This grouping attracts tighter inspection at borders and mandates shipment in durable, labeled drums or sealed inner glass bottles. More and more, regulatory agencies request detailed records for end use, reflecting concern over its dual-use potential in hazardous syntheses or illegal activities. My experience with export paperwork proves that even one typo or missed hazard label brings unnecessary delays or penalties, so staying organized beats stress and rework down the line.

Hazards, Handling and Storage Advice

There’s no getting around the dangers tied to Bromoacetyl Bromide. Severe eye, skin, and lung damage come from even brief contact or inhalation. I recall one bench mate cleaning a spill without proper gloves, landing a trip to the ER with burns that left scars. Local exhaust ventilation, full-face respirators, and chemical splash suits sit next to the material in every well-run facility. Emergency protocols drill staff in neutralization, containment, and medical response. Down the supply chain, safe packing—triple containment, shock-absorbing materials, and instant access to neutralizing agents like sodium bicarbonate—could make the difference between an annoying mess and a serious incident. For disposal, neutralization with aqueous sodium thiosulfate under expert eye stops the story from ending badly: it pays to learn from past mistakes and find partners who stay ahead of evolving environmental standards.

Role in Research and Industry

Bromoacetyl Bromide earns its keep by transforming simple chemicals into sophisticated intermediates, making it a linchpin in the synthesis of complex organic molecules. Drug discovery teams rely on it to create tailor-made compounds, while pesticide developers use its building blocks for new crop protection agents. It figures in materials science experiments, where the addition of a bromoacetyl group alters reactivity and enables functionalization. Academic researchers and industrial chemists alike benefit from its unique properties, but no one earns smooth results without focus and respect for its risks. Each successful synthesis reflects trade-offs weighed, hazards managed, and lessons learned—one reaction flask at a time.