Bromoacetyl Bromide: Physical and Chemical Profile

What is Bromoacetyl Bromide?

Bromoacetyl Bromide is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C2H2Br2O. It shows up in research and industrial settings as a reactive acylating agent, sometimes surfacing in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and organic chemicals. In practical terms, this compound reacts strongly with water, and safety data points to a need for careful storage and handling. Many workers in laboratories remember its sharp, penetrating odor—a reminder of its high reactivity and volatility.

Properties and Structure

In its pure form, Bromoacetyl Bromide appears as a clear to pale yellow liquid, though sometimes it takes a more crystalline look if the temperature dips. Its molecular structure combines a bromo group and an acetyl bromide group, with a molecular weight of about 201.85 g/mol. The density registers at roughly 2.45 g/cm³ at room temperature, reflecting its heavy halogen content. Chemists recognizing its chemical formula often take an extra minute before opening a bottle, recalling just how quickly it fumes in moist air. Contact with water triggers a vigorous reaction, releasing hydrogen bromide gas—a clear warning to stay cautious in humid conditions or open spaces.

Material Form and Specifications

Bromoacetyl Bromide can be distributed as a liquid, crystal, or in a tightly packed bottle to limit air exposure. Some suppliers offer it in forms like flakes or as a highly concentrated solution, depending on the end use or handling requirements. Most operations outside a glove box environment choose the liquid form for ease of measurement and transfer. Its strong reactivity means that bulk storage takes extra precaution: sturdy glass or Teflon containers withstand the chemical's attack. Specialized specifications focus on purity, water content, and residual acidity. Even at room temperature, any advice from an experienced chemist reinforces the need to double-check the packaging, inspect seals, and set up ventilation.

HS Code and Regulatory Benchmarks

Trade and shipping of Bromoacetyl Bromide follow a designated Harmonized System (HS) Code, most commonly 2915900090, which covers a range of acyl halides including this one. Postal delays and customs stops often hinge on this code, as authorities watch for hazardous chemicals that need permits and documented end uses. Regulations aim to limit unintentional releases or improper disposal—a priority for communities living near warehouses and ports. For those shipping across borders, every shipment comes with documentation from material safety data sheets and certifications that match international guidelines, tying regulatory compliance directly to environmental and workplace safety.

Physical States: Solid, Powder, Pearls, and Solution

On rare occasions, Bromoacetyl Bromide can present as flakes or chunky crystals—conditions frequently shaped by transport, storage temperature, or production scale. Generally, the chemical melts quickly back to a liquid on gentle warming. Powdered forms see less use because of dust and risk of uncontrolled inhalation or spillage. Liquid samples dominate most shelves and refrigerators in synthesis laboratories, where even a small spill demands an immediate cleanup routine. The solution form sometimes shows up in specialty syntheses—diluted just enough to manage, never enough to dull the reaction speed. For any new technician, their first encounter with a pearly, semi-solid chunk sticks in memory, marked by an instant, choking fume and a rush for the fume hood.

Density and Measured Data

Measured density reaches approximately 2.45 g/cm³, which puts it well above common laboratory solvents. Anyone used to pipetting lighter liquids has to adjust, since this density makes it pour and settle differently. The high mass per unit volume also affects shipping regulations—packed shipments count as both chemical hazard and physical load. Specific gravity readings confirm the need to use weighted pipettes or slow addition setups when mixing with less dense solvents.

Hazardous Material Handling and Safety Notes

Bromoacetyl Bromide ranks as a hazardous and harmful substance by most global safety standards. Direct contact with skin, inhalation of fumes, or spills on the benchtop prompt immediate safety responses. The chemical can trigger burns or respiratory distress. Workers keep goggles, gloves, and chemical-resistant aprons in arm’s reach, and rely on fume hoods or ventilated enclosures for every procedure. Facilities enforcing safety protocols note reduced accidents and faster emergency response times. Safe disposal policies call for neutralization steps, usually with sodium bicarbonate, in a controlled environment to prevent dangerous gas releases. This isn’t a chemical for casual use; diligent handling matters at every stage.

Molecular Considerations and Chemical Sourcing

The core structure behind Bromoacetyl Bromide—a carbon flanked by both bromine and carbonyl groups—gives rise to its high reactivity. In my own projects, this molecular arrangement demanded respect for both thermal stability and light exposure. Chemical procurement teams vet every supplier for regulatory compliance, shipping quality, and safety transparency. Laboratories and factories looking to source this compound usually touch base with experienced chemists for tips on storage layout and staff training. When using Bromoacetyl Bromide as a raw material, manufacturers track purity, batch origin, and chain of custody, both for legal purposes and to guarantee final product safety. In practical terms, a misplaced bottle or careless spill leads to headaches for everyone on the team—and small errors add up, sometimes dangerously, in busy workspaces.

Raw Materials and Industry Impacts

Sourcing raw materials like Bromoacetyl Bromide impacts several layers of chemical manufacturing, from costs to workplace safety standards. Facilities scrapping old stock or shifting to greener chemistry often cite the strict rules and risks tied to compounds of this class. Years ago, I watched a mid-sized plant overhaul its chemical storage, spurred on by changing fire codes and insurance requirements. That shift improved not only their compliance record but also the comfort level of the crew handling hazardous shipments. Industry veterans advocate for stronger labeling, wider training, and information sharing to head off incidents. Safer alternatives are gaining ground in some applications, yet labs and factories stick with high-reactivity reagents for their unique outputs—balancing utility with responsibility.