1-Bromotetradecane: Physical Characteristics, Structure, and Industrial Importance

What is 1-Bromotetradecane?

1-Bromotetradecane belongs to the family of long-chain alkyl halides, carrying the molecular formula C₁₄H₂₉Br. In daily lab work, this chemical appears as a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid, often carrying a faintly sweet, mild odor. It stands out for having a high boiling point, usually measured around 305°C, and a specific gravity close to 0.86–0.89 at room temperature. Its density and liquid state give it a weighty yet manageable presence in containers. This compound’s structure looks straightforward: a straight hydrocarbon chain with fourteen carbons, capped by a single bromine atom linked at one end. Most references list it as having a molar mass of about 293.29 g/mol. Its HS Code identifies it internationally for customs and trade as 2903699090, falling under other halogenated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons.

Physical Properties and Material Handling

1-Bromotetradecane arrives at the bench mostly in liquid form but, with enough cooling, could appear as waxy flakes, powder, or even fine pearls. Experience in storage reminds that fluctuations in lab temperature don’t easily solidify it, though extended refrigeration turns it solid at around 2–6°C. On the molecular level, its structure lets it dissolve well in organic solvents such as ether, hexane, and chloroform—never in water. Its oily feel presents a handling issue, especially in glassware, which tends to get slippery and slightly coated after transfers. The chemical’s purity matters for researchers; trace amounts of byproducts or hydrolysis products can lead to significant measurement errors in synthesis or analysis. Packing for shipment or shelf storage takes some planning: materials such as glass or HDPE containers work best, with each clearly labeled to avoid mix-ups due to odorless or colorless appearance.

Applications and Role as a Raw Material

Having worked in both academia and with commercial suppliers, this compound frequently appears as a starting material in making specialty surfactants, phase transfer catalysts, and as a building block in organic synthesis. Its long chain and single halide allow for targeted reactions—especially nucleophilic substitution, which turns that bromine into new functionalities without needing to break the entire backbone. Such versatility keeps it in demand for industries focused on producing tailored plasticizers, specialty lubricants, and pharmaceutical intermediates. In practice, working with 1-bromotetradecane means balancing the convenience of a single reactive site with the need to avoid excess heating: too much energy promotes side reactions like elimination, reducing overall yield. Many chemists reach for this molecule when seeking to introduce a long hydrocarbon tail into a new surfactant structure or to explore hydrophobic interactions in newly formulated materials.

Safety, Handling, and Hazards

Handling 1-bromotetradecane always involves an appreciation for its hazards. It doesn’t present an immediate risk like some volatile alkyl halides, yet skin contact causes irritation and prolonged exposure triggers dryness or redness. Laboratory routine suggests double-gloving with nitrile gloves, keeping ventilation active, and using fume hoods to avoid unwanted inhalation of vapors. Spills offer another challenge: given its liquidity, absorption with inert material such as sand or vermiculite is preferred over water dilution, since this compound floats and spreads readily. The chemical’s safety data emphasizes its flammability at higher temperatures, delaying ignition until heated above the flash point of about 119°C. In shipping, regulators treat 1-bromotetradecane under the classification of hazardous materials—labeling remains crucial for avoiding environmental mishaps or operator injuries. Spent reagent gets collected as halogenated organic waste, following local hazardous waste protocols.

Specifying Quality and Measurements

For a material so common in specialty synthesis, assurance of quality means relying on measurable, verifiable attributes. Purity specifications typically reach 98% or higher, with significant penalty for excess moisture, which leads to decomposition or unwanted side reactions. Suppliers measure density in g/cm³, and the standard deviation for most reliable batches rarely exceeds 0.02. In practical use, each batch receives a refractive index measurement at 20°C, with values clustering between 1.454 and 1.46—an easy check against counterfeits or adulterated stock. This testing ties directly to product quality, ultimately affecting everything from plasticizer efficiency to the bioactivity in downstream pharmaceutical targets. Updated safety data sheets provide clear documentation of batch numbers, molecular structure diagrams, and handling instructions, all in pursuit of compliance and repeatability.

Environmental Concerns and Responsible Use

Reflecting on real-world use, there’s always a trade-off between industrial advantages and environmental risks. 1-bromotetradecane doesn’t break down quickly in soil or water, showing resistance to biodegradation due to its long carbon chain and halogenated terminus. Unchecked disposal risks long-term environmental persistence and potential harm to aquatic organisms. Legislation in most developed countries restricts open dumping and enforces hazardous waste treatment, ensuring spent stock ends up in secure, incinerated waste streams rather than local waterways. Some process engineers advocate for closed-loop recycling or alternatives that swap bromine for more degradable functional groups, though adoption depends on end-use requirements and price tolerance. Shifting research toward greener solvents and reaction conditions deserves sustained attention, especially as concerns about persistent organic pollutants continue to grow.

Industry Demand and Outlook

Interest in 1-bromotetradecane reflects broader trends in specialty chemicals, surfactants, and lubricants where designers need long carbon chains and a single, reliable leaving group. Industry analysts note steady demand in Asia-Pacific manufacturing hubs, with import-export activity tracked using established HS Codes for accurate tariffs and customs declarations. As regulation nudges manufacturers away from substances with poor environmental profiles, the future use of 1-bromotetradecane likely rests on its unique combination of performance, safety improvements in handling, and innovation in process recycling. Researchers and procurement specialists keep looking for safer, more sustainable raw materials, and the chemical industry’s track record on continuous improvement should not be ignored. Yet, for certain applications, nothing quite beats the reliability and reactivity of a well-understood compound like 1-bromotetradecane.