Ethyl-2-Bromo Butyrate: Clear-Cut Chemical Facts

What is Ethyl-2-Bromo Butyrate?

Ethyl-2-Bromo Butyrate brings something different to the table as an organobromine compound. Its molecular formula, C6H11BrO2, gives it a composition that stands out in organic synthesis and chemical manufacturing. Structurally, it fits into the ester group with a bromine atom attached to the butyrate backbone, shifting both reactivity and properties compared to simple butyrates. This compound moves between colorless liquid and oily solid forms depending on temperature conditions. Researchers and manufacturers recognize it by the HS Code 2915.90.0090, which helps customs and importers trace it in the global marketplace.

Physical and Chemical Properties

On the lab bench, Ethyl-2-Bromo Butyrate generally appears as a clear, pale liquid. Its density clocks in around 1.37 g/cm³, making it denser than water. The molecular weight sits at 195.05 g/mol, which factors into calculation when scaling from bench work to industrial production. It boils at roughly 202°C, so it can handle some heat but carries volatility to consider, particularly in open systems. It dissolves in organic solvents, so chemists find it pretty straightforward to handle during extractions and reactions.

Safety goes hand-in-hand with handling this material. Any liquid that brings bromine into the workspace deserves respect—Ethyl-2-Bromo Butyrate sits squarely in the harmful and hazardous chemical category. Direct contact or improper ventilation can irritate eyes, skin, or lungs. Always secure gloves, goggles, and strong ventilation. From my experience, getting even a whiff without proper protection can sting the sinuses for hours, so safety protocols remain non-negotiable.

Solid and Liquid Forms: Use in Laboratory and Industry

Ethyl-2-Bromo Butyrate sometimes comes as liquid in sealed bottles. Under certain conditions or with additives, it can crystallize, though most labs use it as a liquid. Its consistency swings between oily liquid and clear solution, so pouring and measuring feels different than heavier solids like pearls, flakes, or powders. That fluid nature gives flexibility in reactions, but storage demands tight seals and cool environments to contain any fumes and prevent contamination.

Material purity decides outcomes in many synthetic steps. Most suppliers offer this compound at high purity, but always double-check the certificate of analysis to avoid complications downstream. For anyone running reactions, the ester and bromine groups on this molecule open doors for further modification or coupling steps. Its role as a raw material stretches into pharmaceuticals, synthesis of flavors, and specialty chemicals. People sometimes overlook that careful handling of the base material avoids waste—every spill or mist-handled batch can ramp up costs in a blink.

Applications and Real-World Use

Many turn to Ethyl-2-Bromo Butyrate when building blocks for more complex chemicals are needed. It steps in as an alkylating agent or a synthetic intermediate. The bromo group makes it reactive, ready to form new bonds under the right conditions. In my own early career, splitting my time between specialty chemical production and troubleshooting old pilot-scale reactors, this compound found its way onto my workbench time and again. Small batches often produced delicate intermediates, but without close attention, impurities or side reactions could sneak up. Proper dosing and correct solvent choice make or break production runs with materials like this.

Pharmaceutical industries value this compound for building more elaborate molecules—some specialty drugs and fragments get their start with Ethyl-2-Bromo Butyrate. In agricultural chemistry, it occasionally serves in the development of active ingredients. For anyone managing raw materials inventories, freight and documentation connect directly to the HS Code on every shipment. Compliance with local and international regulation stays front and center—voices in the warehouse, shipping office, and loading dock all need to be on the same page.

Safe Handling, Storage, and Transportation

No one should shortcut safety with Ethyl-2-Bromo Butyrate. The proper labeling and up-to-date safety data sheets (SDS) form the base layer of safe lab culture. Always store away from strong oxidizers or basic substances—they can trigger reactions if mixed. Use tightly sealed, labeled containers in a dedicated chemical cabinet, away from heat and direct sunlight. Spill response training helps everyone know how to control leaks or accidents before they snowball into larger problems. I remember one situation where a damaged cap led to the release of fumes—quick action limited exposure but taught everyone a lesson on double-checking closures.

For anyone in scale-up or bulk production, ventilation and gas scrubbing become critical—this prevents harmful vapors from settling into workspaces. Don’t skimp on personal protective equipment. Gloves made of nitrile or neoprene and chemical goggles give solid barriers. Emergency eyewash stations and safety showers never go to waste in facilities processing brominated chemicals. A small investment in risk assessment pays back every time standards keep people safe from accidents.

Potential Hazards and Solutions

Handling hazards come down to respect for the material and a sharp focus on safety controls. Skin and respiratory irritation, risk of release, and possible long-term effects mean every handler must think ahead. Engineers and supervisors can cut risk by automating handling where possible—closed transfer systems, automated injectors, and remote monitoring keep hands away from danger zones. Proper training means that even new hires understand the difference between a routine day and a near miss. Everyone—junior staff, chemists, or support—plays a part in safe operations with chemicals like this.

Waste management forms a major point. Spent material and empty containers can't simply be tossed in regular trash. Certified chemical waste disposal removes products and contaminated packaging, closing the loop so communities avoid downstream contamination. Water, soil, and air are all possible targets for harm if handling skips steps. Companies investing in responsible disposal processes protect not just the workplace, but the broader environment as well.

Importance to Industry and Research

As a raw material, Ethyl-2-Bromo Butyrate allows countless end products to enter the market, from specialty chemicals to pharmaceuticals. Its stable shelf life under proper storage conditions, straightforward reactivity, and established supply chain presence make it a go-to choice for innovation and reliable process scaling. Every industry built on specialized organic synthesis, whether generating high-value intermediates or testing new reactions in a research lab, leans on dependable chemicals—and this one checks those boxes. Grounded procedures, respect for hazards, and an eye for new uses turn a single compound into a foundation for progress and safety.