1,4-Dibromobutane: A Thorough Look at Its Nature, Use, and Safety Considerations

What is 1,4-Dibromobutane?

1,4-Dibromobutane belongs to the group of halogenated organic chemicals and forms a clear liquid at room temperature. The IUPAC name is pretty straightforward, and the chemical formula is C₄H₈Br₂. Its molecular weight sits at 215.92 grams per mole. This material catches attention in laboratories and manufacturing alike because it links the world of simple alkanes with the complexity of alkyl halides. The structure shows two bromine atoms on either end of a four-carbon chain, which shapes most of its industrial applications. In my own experience in the lab, the presence of bromine atoms makes handling more sensitive to both heat and light, and storage standards have to be spot-on to maintain its purity and prevent decomposition.

Physical Properties and Appearance

The liquid state of 1,4-dibromobutane stands as its most familiar form, with a nearly colorless appearance and a faint, sweet odor. Density measures close to 1.99 g/cm³ at room temperature, which I remember makes it feel noticeably heavier than water when transferred by pipette. It shows low solubility in water but dissolves well in ether, acetone, and chloroform—a behavior that comes up a lot in organic synthesis projects. Its boiling point lands around 195°C, while the melting point sits at about -36°C. This combination of characteristics opens the door for liquid-phase reactions but calls for strict temperature monitoring. The structure—a simple, symmetrical butane backbone with bromines at both terminal positions—brings special reactivity to the table, both in nucleophilic substitution and elimination reactions. I have never come across it in powdered or crystal form under standard conditions; as a liquid, it ships in sealed containers to avoid evaporation and contamination.

Specifications and HS Code

1,4-Dibromobutane carries a Harmonized System (HS) code of 2903.69, which covers halogenated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons. In shipping and customs, this code plays a key role in supply chain management and tariffs. Most reliable chemical suppliers offer specifications ensuring over 99% pure content, monitored using gas chromatography. The presence of water or other organohalides lowers reactivity in typical synthesis pathways, so quality control teams check purity before accepting a delivery. Packing information matters because the compound must stay away from heat, sparks, and incompatible substances—especially when used as a raw material or intermediate.

Hazardous and Safe Handling

Bromine-based organics can cause health issues if handled without adequate protection. 1,4-Dibromobutane irritates skin and eyes, and inhaling vapor brings respiratory discomfort. It carries a classification as harmful and hazardous, sometimes landing in safety discussions at research meetings. Regulatory bodies such as OSHA and REACH assign it specific safety identifiers, requiring personnel to use gloves, goggles, and fume hoods during handling or transfer. Material safety data sheets (MSDS) highlight storage guidelines: keep containers tightly closed, store in cool, ventilated areas, and don’t mix with strong bases or oxidizers. The compound does not catch fire easily, but it breaks down to release hazardous fumes during decomposition, which drilling safety teams urge workers not to ignore. My own caution grew sharper after seeing how quickly organohalogens can leach through latex gloves, making nitrile or better gloves a standard part of my routine. For disposal, incineration by a specialist remains the recommended method.

Raw Material Use and Applications

Industry values 1,4-dibromobutane for its role as a building block in organic synthesis. Its unique structure, offering two reactive bromine sites, lets chemists string together long carbon chains or introduce function groups with precision. Labs use it to craft macrocyclic compounds or as a linker in pharmaceutical research. Polymers and specialty rubbers sometimes rely on it to create cross-linked networks, improving durability in final materials. Some advanced plastics gain flexibility and chemical resistance thanks to 1,4-dibromobutane-based intermediates. Over the years, I have watched formulators lean on this molecule in the search for new surfactants, stabilizers, and even agricultural chemicals, where the safety profile requires constant reassessment.

Key Considerations Moving Forward

As a practical chemist, the use of 1,4-dibromobutane underscores the importance of understanding both the benefits and risks of every raw material. The interplay between its desirable properties—reactivity, liquid state, reliable density—and its hazardous nature draws a clear boundary for training and incident response. Companies and universities alike invest in better ventilation, up-to-date PPE protocols, and real-time monitoring of air quality around process areas. In everyday practice, reusing solvents, filtering waste streams, and reading every revision of the MSDS help mitigate environmental impact. Policy-wise, tightening oversight on shipping and labeling through the HS system matches a growing societal expectation for chemical stewardship. Looking for safer substitutes makes sense in sensitive environments, but mastery over 1,4-dibromobutane’s specific characteristics offers a rare blend of opportunity and caution, which continues to shape the landscape of organic manufacturing.