1-Bromododecane: Product Insight and Importance

What is 1-Bromododecane?

1-Bromododecane, known chemically as dodecyl bromide, stands out as an essential alkyl halide with a straight-chain structure built from twelve carbon atoms capped by a bromine atom at one end. The molecular formula C₁₂H₂₅Br tells you a lot: it packs a significant hydrocarbon tail and a reactive bromide group, making it valuable for people working in synthesis labs, especially in surfactant and lubricant manufacturing. Its molecular weight of 249.24 g/mol and high boiling point give it unique uses that other shorter chain or branched bromides just can’t match.

Physical and Chemical Properties

At room temperature, 1-Bromododecane usually appears as a clear, colorless to faintly yellow liquid, sometimes turning slightly cloudy if left exposed to moisture. The density, hovering near 1.04 g/cm³, makes it heavier than most water-based liquids you keep around the lab. Thanks to its long hydrocarbon backbone, this compound stays hydrophobic and tends to float on water surfaces. When cooled, it shows a waxy, semi-solid form that turns into a thick viscous material, making it different from shorter-chain alkyl bromides which stay more consistently runny. In terms of solubility, expect it to dissolve smoothly in many organic solvents like hexane, chloroform, and ether, but it stubbornly resists mixing into water due to its lengthy nonpolar tail.

Product Specifications and Variants

Commercial offerings of 1-Bromododecane vary from small glass ampules for lab work to industrial drums meant for large-scale production. You may find the material offered in liquid, solid, or pastille (pearl) forms, but the substance stays chemically consistent regardless of how vendors package it. Some suppliers offer it as high-purity liquid above 97%, with careful filtration to ensure the absence of water and other organics. Flake and powder forms sometimes appear in catalogs for those looking to weigh and transport precise amounts, especially in research where handling matters more than bulk cost. Despite these different forms, quality always traces back to the same molecular structure and rigorous purity levels demanded across industries.

Chemical Structure and Functionality

If you sketch the molecule, the structure stretches out in a long, unbranched chain. The bromine atom bonds at position one on the dodecane backbone, giving it high reactivity for substitution reactions and cross-coupling. This placement makes it a favorite for chemists looking to introduce a dodecyl group into polymers or build surfactants, lubricants, and specialty fluids. The reactivity supports the development of materials with enhanced hydrophobic properties and tailored melting points, often setting the standard for comparison when designing cleaner alternatives or more robust surfactant chains.

HS Code and Regulations

Every chemist and importer keeps an eye on the HS Code to ensure smooth transport across borders. For 1-Bromododecane, the code 2903.39-classification applies, falling under the category for halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons. Knowing this code helps companies keep their shipments compliant with customs regulations. Anyone familiar with sourcing raw materials from international vendors pays close attention to HS documentation, since misclassification can cause shipment delays, fines, or worse—seizures of vital product stocks necessary for everyday production.

Typical Uses and Industrial Material Importance

Years of experience in bulk chemical sourcing have shown that 1-Bromododecane often lands on the procurement list for surfactant and emulsifier manufacturers. Its dodecyl group adds flexibility and stability to end products ranging from industrial lubricants to antistatic agents in plastics. The compound acts as a key intermediate in pharmaceutical and agrochemical synthesis, helping to build more complex molecules through nucleophilic substitution. Its role spans beyond specialty uses; detergents, cleaning agents, and even some flavors or fragrances get their performance edge from brominated dodecyl chains. In a competitive industrial landscape where manufacturers constantly seek new ways to improve heat resistance, water repellency, and texture, such intermediates quietly help drive product innovation.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Aspects

Handling 1-Bromododecane means paying real attention to health and safety. Liquid and vapor forms can be harmful if inhaled, ingested, or if they touch skin. The compound irritates eyes and the respiratory system, especially if exposure isn’t managed by proper ventilation and protective equipment. Repeat skin exposure leads to dermatitis, and swallowing even small quantities brings nausea or toxicity concerns. While not every user faces huge health risks, workplace protocols demand gloves, goggles, and spill prevention plans. Improper disposal lets brominated compounds accumulate in soil and groundwater, so environmental protocols stress the need for licensed chemical waste management. This isn’t hype—industrial spills have led to costly cleanup efforts and regulatory penalties around the world.

Potential Solutions and Industry Practices

Real-world solutions hinge on pragmatic handling, storage, and transportation improvements. Secure storage involves tightly sealed drums and containers kept in cool, dry rooms to keep moisture out and prevent accidental degradation. Training workers on the exact hazard profile lowers accident rates. Many companies invest in leak detection systems and secondary containment to catch spills before they become widespread hazards. Working with certified waste management firms closes the loop, ensuring materials never leak into the wider environment. On the green chemistry front, researchers seek replacement molecules without halogen atoms or explore recycling options for spent intermediates. Until such alternatives reach scale, responsible distribution, use, and cleanup remain the best way to balance industrial productivity and environmental responsibility.