1,3-Dibromopropane: Product Description, Physical Properties, and Safety Information

What is 1,3-Dibromopropane?

1,3-Dibromopropane is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature. The chemical formula is C3H6Br2, with a molecular weight of roughly 201.89 g/mol. As a dihalogenated hydrocarbon, this compound features a three-carbon propane backbone with a bromine atom attached to each of the terminal carbon atoms. Its systematic name—1,3-dibromopropane—comes from the position of these bromine groups. This material does not form flakes, solid pearls, or crystals under standard conditions; it remains a volatile, mobile liquid unless cooled significantly below room temperature.

Structure and Specifications

The molecule includes two bromine atoms attached on the outermost carbons of a propane chain, resulting in a straight-chain structure: BrCH2CH2CH2Br. This arrangement gives the compound differing reactivity compared to its isomer, 1,2-dibromopropane, placing its uses and properties in a distinct category. Standard product specifications identify 1,3-dibromopropane under HS Code 29033990 for international trade and customs reporting.

Physical and Chemical Properties

As a chemical raw material, 1,3-dibromopropane presents specific characteristics valuable to materials and synthesis applications. Its boiling point hovers around 196°C, and its melting point sits close to -30°C, keeping it in a liquid state in most laboratory and industrial environments. The liquid displays a density of about 2.109 g/cm³ at 20°C—heavier than water, with an oily texture and slight sweet odor noticeable during handling. Limited solubility in water, paired with good miscibility in organic solvents like ether and acetone, supports its use as an intermediate for organic synthesis, pharmaceuticals, and as a raw material in specialty polymers.

This material does not occur in flakes, powder, or crystalline pearls when stored or shipped in commercial packaging. Many liquid halogenated alkanes share this slippery feel and weight. Its refractive index measures approximately 1.522 at 20°C, on par with other dibromo compounds. Storage requires close attention; as a hazardous chemical regulated under several national and international agencies, 1,3-dibromopropane calls for tightly sealed, chemical-resistant containers to prevent leaks and contamination.

Hazardous Properties and Safety Considerations

Direct contact with this material brings acute health risks. Skin or eye exposure causes rapid irritation and burns, inhalation of its vapors can irritate airways or even cause symptoms of toxicity, and ingestion severely disrupts gastrointestinal systems. Due to these harmful properties, regulatory agencies classify it as a hazardous material. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) detail the clear need for gloves, goggles, and proper ventilation during use, with special waste management protocols to handle spills, leaks, or disposal. This chemical can release hydrogen bromide under combustion or thermal degradation, which increases the risk of secondary hazards.

In my years working in labs, the main lesson always comes back to respecting each bottle’s label. The weight of a flask of 1,3-dibromopropane feels reassuring when you know the container is rated for halogenated liquids, not because the material is forgiving, but because you trust the protocols and the container to protect everyone. Handling this material safely rests not just on gloves and goggles, but also on clear labeling, up-to-date training, and strong ventilation systems. Far too often I’ve seen preparation rooms where these standards get overlooked. If safety slips, one incident can cause lifelong injuries. Raw materials like this need respect and attention to detail.

Environmental release creates additional worries. 1,3-Dibromopropane does not readily biodegrade and tends to persist, so accidental spills or improper disposal contaminate soil and groundwater. The fire hazard, though moderate, means keeping storage away from ignition sources and heat. As a volatile organic compound, it adds a layer of regulatory oversight for emissions, making it all the more important to keep storage systems well-sealed and local environmental controls in place.

Applications and Solutions for Safer Use

1,3-Dibromopropane serves as a building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and specialty chemicals, often acting as a crosslinking agent or precursor in the introduction of propyl groups. Applications rarely involve use at scale outside industrial or research settings, and every scenario brings a responsibility for cautious handling—and for investing in containment technology from the start. Spill kits, proper training, routine inspections, regular personnel safety drills, and updated emergency protocols make a tangible difference in safety outcomes.

Lab work with hazardous chemicals revealed to me how easy it is to cut corners, how tempting it gets to skip steps. The right protocols—rebottling with secondary containment, checking paperwork for expiration and safety codes, reviewing ventilation flow rates—build a culture of caution around materials like 1,3-dibromopropane. Even small investments, like fume hood upgrades or improved glove quality, reduce incidents and lower risk for everyone who comes in contact with the material. Strong partnerships with chemical suppliers who disclose hazards transparently and support waste management reinforce the safe cycle from shipment to final disposal. Each step shapes the outcome: robust, thoughtful procedures mean these hazardous materials become tools for progress, not sources of pain.