1-Bromobutane: Practical Insight Into a Versatile Chemical Raw Material

What is 1-Bromobutane?

1-Bromobutane carries the molecular formula C₄H₉Br. Built from a straight-chain alkyl halide, this colorless, oily liquid brings a sharp, somewhat sweet odor. CAS number 109-65-9 helps identify it in commercial trade and laboratory practice. Chemists recognize 1-Bromobutane as a simple and reliable building block in organic synthesis, where the four-carbon backbone and bromine create straightforward substitution and elimination reactions. This substance has rooted itself into the landscape of chemical manufacturing because it marries affordability with effective reactivity.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Viewed through the lens of day-to-day handling, 1-Bromobutane features a density of roughly 1.27 g/cm³ at 20°C. Its boiling point clocks in at around 101°C, making it easy to manipulate for distillation or purification tasks. As a non-polar solvent, it dissolves non-polar organic molecules but doesn’t blend with water. This liquid remains transparent under ordinary conditions and doesn’t crystallize at room temperature, though its solid state appears at below −112°C. Unlike more complex brominated materials that might arrive flaky, powdered, or in crystal form, commercial 1-Bromobutane is almost always handled as a liquid in liter or drum-sized containers. One whiff confirms its presence—the odor reminds seasoned chemists to handle it with care.

Molecular Structure and Reactivity

Studying 1-Bromobutane’s classical linear structure, each molecule carries a butyl group with a bromine atom at one end. This simple composition underpins its use as an alkylating agent in the lab. Envision reactions in pharmaceutical or agrochemical synthesis—here, the reactivity of the terminal bromine enables straightforward SN2 substitutions, where nucleophiles replace the bromide ion. The molecule’s structure also paves the way for elimination reactions under certain basic conditions, which form butenes, useful in advanced syntheses. From personal experience, the predictability of 1-Bromobutane’s reactivity is reassuring, even in complex research projects or tight production schedules.

Typical Specifications

Chemical suppliers will usually offer 1-Bromobutane with a purity above 99%. Water content needs monitoring; dry materials ensure higher yields in sensitive syntheses. The product isn’t sold in flakes, powders, or pearls—liquid form remains consistent throughout the supply chain. Read the specifications sheet and see details like: molecular weight of 137.02 g/mol, a refractive index around 1.439 at 20°C, and solubility in most organic solvents. While users might request material by the liter or kilogram, the liquid’s handling usually involves industrial drums, chemical-resistant glass bottles, or steel containers.

Safe Use and Hazards

Talk about safety—1-Bromobutane brings both opportunity and caution. Exposure routes matter. Inhaling vapors or having skin contact, I’ve learned, risks irritation and respiratory problems. Strict air extraction in the lab makes immediate sense once you’ve opened a bottle. The substance can act as a central nervous system depressant in high doses, so the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) always stays close during work. As with most alkyl halides, environmental impact calls for vigilance. Spills demand prompt collection using absorbent materials, and all waste must enter labeled containers ready for safe chemical disposal. Concentrated solutions should never touch the skin; nitrile gloves and goggles remain non-negotiable for every user.

Hazard Classification and HS Code

Customs and shipping documents cite the HS Code 2903699090. Proper labeling becomes critical for out-of-country shipments. The chemical falls into hazard categories as a flammable liquid (Flash point around 37°C), harmful if inhaled or swallowed, and hazardous to aquatic life. Strict UN packaging guidelines keep workers and the environment protected. From early lab encounters to modern-day shipping requirements, these standards help avoid regulatory headaches and, more importantly, real risks to health and safety.

Role as a Raw Material

Many chemists step into careers using 1-Bromobutane on the job. Ethereal in theory, its place in synthesis plants and research facilities remains concrete. Pharmaceutical companies appreciate its clean conversion into butyl derivatives used for drugs, dyes, and flavors. Polymer and plastic companies use C₄H₉Br to tweak backbone structures and stretch performance. Each batch purchased relates to downstream impact—higher consistency and rapid conversion translate into real savings for businesses. Slight impurities, as small as a few tenths of a percent, derail sensitive reactions, showing just how much fine details can affect major outcomes. Improvements to purity monitoring, packaging integrity, and logistics can always help entire supply chains get more value with less waste.

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Real experience teaches that hazardous chemicals never live in a vacuum. Storage guidelines keep 1-Bromobutane away from heat, open flames, and oxidizers; labeling and secondary containment stop accidental exposure. Regular training for chemical operators, moving beyond simple labels into everyday awareness and concrete practice, cuts incident rates and improves compliance. Shipping regulations continue to tighten, reflecting new scientific understanding of cumulative environmental risk. Safe alternatives might exist for some applications, though the tradeoffs—whether in cost, yield, or physical properties—mean 1-Bromobutane still holds a persistent place in the world’s chemical toolkits. Supporting upstream innovation and downstream safety systems addresses both business needs and community well-being.