Ethyl 2-Bromopropionate: Substance Details, Structure, and Safety Facts

What is Ethyl 2-Bromopropionate?

Ethyl 2-Bromopropionate appears as a versatile organic compound with value across pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and laboratory processes. Its structure carries a bromine atom bonded to the propionate backbone, giving it a unique reactivity in synthesis work. Produced using specialized chemical reactions involving ethyl propionate and brominating agents, the result shows up in various forms, from clear, colorless liquid to pale yellow. The smell appears sharp, somewhat like that of other short-chain esters, which many will recognize in chemical storerooms and laboratories.

Physical and Chemical Properties

This compound follows the molecular formula C5H9BrO2, where each molecule consists of five carbon atoms, nine hydrogen atoms, one bromine atom, and two oxygen atoms. In terms of structure, it has a straightforward chain with an ethyl group attached to the carboxyl end of 2-bromopropionic acid. Pure ethyl 2-bromopropionate often presents with a density near 1.4 g/cm³ at 20°C. Its melting point stays well below room temperature; most samples remain liquid under standard conditions, although cooling can yield solid or crystalline particles.

Solubility in water turns out low, which matches what people see with many organic esters, but it dissolves well in usual organic solvents—think acetone, chloroform, and ether. Boiling occurs at temperatures close to 150°C, and its refractive index usually reads around n20/D 1.45. These numbers matter in real-world handling: for researchers, knowing density and solubility shapes how the compound mixes, stores, and reacts with other materials.

Specifications and Forms

Ethyl 2-bromopropionate surfaces in markets as a liquid, but seeing it as a solid, flakes, or powder comes from specific storage or shipment conditions. The liquid form fills small glass bottles or plastic drums, and, when handled at lower temperatures or mixed with certain salts, it may crystallize. In crystal or solid state, the appearance can range from white to pale yellow, depending on purity and how carefully it was handled during drying or distillation. Some producers ship it as a solution in aqueous or organic phase when stability or dosing accuracy becomes a concern. Density, state, and container choice all affect how safely operators weigh, measure, and use this compound.

HS Code and Regulatory Information

Customs and trade law assigns Ethyl 2-Bromopropionate an HS Code reflecting its classification as an organobromine compound (typically under 2915.90, which covers acetic acid esters, or 2903.30 for brominated derivatives—always check current customs databases for accuracy). Raw material import requires documentation about composition, hazard phrases, and molecular details. Whether facing customs in Europe, North America, or Asia, knowing the correct code helps avoid regulatory delays.

Safety, Hazard, and Environmental Impact

Handling this material calls for vigilance. Its properties include volatility and a potential to irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. On skin, the liquid delivers bromoesters that sting, so gloves, goggles, and lab coats are essential. Inhalation risks rise in enclosed spaces, making fume hoods standard for safe use. Exposure levels or improper handling can harm health; acute symptoms mean flushing, coughing, or headache. Environmental disposal deserves care, since brominated organics can persist in soil and water, with potential to impact aquatic life.

Chemical storage requires tight closure—away from strong oxidizers, acids, and alkalis. Fire risks stay moderate; while not highly flammable, its vapors can ignite with strong heat or flame. Anyone who’s worked in a synthesis lab knows these hazards well, and reviewing the most current Safety Data Sheet remains wise before use.

Applications and Industrial Uses

This compound turns up as a raw material in making active pharmaceutical ingredients, flavors, and agrochemicals. Its reactivity opens doors to building blocks needed for chiral molecules, and its bromo group lets chemists swap functional groups quickly in organic synthesis. Production plants appreciate its ready start to more complex molecules. As a reagent, it has become a favorite for introducing ethyl and bromine fragments into larger chemicals. Labs scale from a few milliliters to multi-liter reactors, with purity testing shaping each batch because medical, food, and agricultural uses impose higher quality needs.

Looking Toward Safer and Greener Handling

Ethyl 2-bromopropionate’s role as a synthetic intermediate will likely endure in both research and industry. As new greener bromination technologies emerge, companies can consider routes that use less hazardous starting materials or produce less waste. Research into biodegradable alternatives and improved containment further protect workers and environments. In my own experience navigating chemical storerooms and research labs, small improvements in labeling, protective gear, and waste collection can go far in reducing risks. Built from a deep understanding of both the molecule and how people really interact with it, safe stewardship ensures smoother work today and a safer world tomorrow.