1-Bromodecane: Product Overview and Real-World Impact

What is 1-Bromodecane?

1-Bromodecane stands out as a ten-carbon alkyl bromide, known across laboratories and industry for its structure and predictable reactivity. This chemical comes with the molecular formula C₁₀H₂₁Br and a molar mass of about 221.19 g/mol. On paper, its chemical backbone appears uncomplicated but this single-bromine compound can serve as a linchpin across organic synthesis and specialty chemical manufacturing. The presence of just one bromine atom, attached to a straight decyl hydrocarbon chain, becomes a gateway for transformation—fueling reactions that help build more complex molecules or tailor properties for specialized uses.

Physical State and Appearance

Watching 1-Bromodecane in action, you don’t see a flake or powder; instead, it shows up as a clear, colorless liquid at room temperature. No crystals catch the light in storage bottles; there’s no sign of pearls or solid chunks when poured from the drum. Its density lands at about 1.06 g/cm³ at 20°C, heavier than water, and it slips out of glassware with that slightly oily feel, serving as a quick indicator for the practiced chemist. While it carries a faint odor, it doesn’t announce itself sharply unless mishandled. Its modest melting point, roughly -3°C, means it rarely freezes under normal storage. This keeps it flowing even in cooler environments, but cooling in a walk-in freezer brings out the transition to a soft, waxy appearance. Its boiling point sits near 243°C, so you’re not going to see this chemical evaporate in just any open air—yet handling it with ventilation and care is a given.

Chemical Properties and Structure

Drop into any reaction scheme, and 1-Bromodecane’s appeal comes down to its primary alkyl bromide structure. The decyl chain holding a single bromine at the terminal carbon balances both reactivity and stability. This chemical field-teaches how reactive bromine’s position influences substitution and elimination. Compared to similar chlorinated or iodinated versions, 1-Bromodecane often offers a sweet spot: it reacts predictably with nucleophiles, making it useful in laboratory synthesis and scaling up industrial transformations. These substitution reactions open doors to quaternary ammonium salts, surfactants, and even pharmaceuticals. Because of the long hydrocarbon chain, compatibility with nonpolar solvents goes up, yet its reactivity doesn’t reach the level of the iodides. Its use stretches into organic synthesis, materials modification, and surface science—each taking advantage of that lone bromine atom waiting to leave in favor of an incoming functional group.

Specifications and Molecular Qualities

Real-world use means having clear specs. Buyers expect a nearly pure product, often with minimum purity set at 98% or higher. Water content gets kept below 0.1% to ward off unwanted side reactions, especially if the goal is to make custom molecules or hop into specific chemical processes. Color should stay within a limited range. Even a slight yellow tinge signals oxidation or age, and that tells experienced eyes something important about storage or transport. Viscosity figures also interest process engineers, who want pumps and piping systems to perform without surprises. As for solubility, most water-based solutions reject it, while organic solvents like hexane or ether blend readily. Packing often lands in steel drums or high-density polyethylene containers, warding off both leaks and environmental contamination.

HS Code and Regulatory Style

Every trade shipment of 1-Bromodecane relies on accurate classification. The HS code for this compound usually reads 2903.39.90, sliding under “other organo-bromine compounds” for customs. Anyone who’s managed chemical imports or exports knows the confusion a misapplied code triggers—leading to delays, unexpected tariffs, or harder questions at customs. Up-to-date documentation and regulatory checks help avoid these headaches, especially for hazardous goods.

Hazards and Handling

1-Bromodecane doesn’t carry the highest toxicity among alkyl halides, but safety measures always matter. Short-term exposure might lead to skin or eye irritation, so gloves and goggles make sense. Long-term risks tie back to its status as a raw material: repeated or inappropriate handling tells a story familiar to anyone who’s worked with volatile organics—whether cleaning up a spill or dealing with someone who cut corners on their safety routine. Ventilation in storage and during transfer keeps vapors from building, and secondary containment holds the line against leaks. If a drum tips, absorbent pads and proper disposal keep the event from escalating. Regulatory guidelines demand labeling, and hazard pictograms flag its harmful and hazardous status, helping people stay alert.

Raw Material and Industrial Value

This single molecule often plays a quiet role, rarely stealing the spotlight but proving essential as a base building block. When manufacturing surfactants, its long chain fits well into creating hydrophobic tails; in pharmaceuticals, it’s a launching point for further derivatization. Research into functional materials also taps its structure—chemists swap that bromine for new groups, crafting molecules you later find in consumer goods or specialty coatings. Its versatility keeps it stocked in supply rooms from campus labs to chemical plants. Yet, regulations on handling and disposal never drift far from mind, as mistakes can affect not just workers, but the environment downstream or in neighboring communities.

Solutions and Safer Practices

Reducing the risks tied to 1-Bromodecane means connecting responsible sourcing, smart engineering controls, and regular workforce training. Managing ventilation, ensuring sealed storage containers, and marking hazards reduces the odds of accidental exposure. Adopting spill response plans isn’t just paperwork—over time, the tight coordination during drills or actual emergencies helps prevent incidents from growing into major problems. Chemists and engineers who work hands-on with this chemical rely on reliable suppliers—knowing that small changes in purity or unexpected aging can steer results in unpredictable directions. Waste disposal partners hold a similar level of trust, because keeping hazardous substances out of water and soil sits at the core of long-term industrial responsibility.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Story of 1-Bromodecane

Behind every bottle and drum of 1-Bromodecane sits a blend of complexity and reliability. Its specs anchor its value, but the stories built around safe handling, regulatory compliance, and smart application form the backbone of its ongoing importance in science and industry. Tuning processes for purity, catching problems before they reach scale, and building a culture of safety don’t just protect workers—they keep supply chains strong and communities safe. As chemistry continues to advance, the place for dependable raw materials with clear physical and chemical properties looks secure, and 1-Bromodecane carries on as a solid example.