Bromohexane: Characteristics, Specifications, and Responsible Handling

What is Bromohexane?

Bromohexane stands as a chemical raw material, recognized by both professionals and experienced users in the chemical industry. Bromohexane refers to a group of organobromine compounds, with the formula C6H13Br, featuring a bromine atom attached to a six-carbon straight or branched chain. The most frequently encountered isomer in lab and industrial settings is 1-bromohexane, with the bromine atom bonded to the terminal carbon. This compound, HS Code 290369, tends to appear as a colorless to pale yellow liquid. An oily consistency can be felt between the fingers, and its characteristic, somewhat sweet odor carries through even at room temperature.

Products and Formulations

Bromohexane finds practical use in fine chemical synthesis. Most commonly, suppliers deliver it as a clear to slightly yellowish liquid in sealed, chemical-resistant bottles. Some may ask if it comes in other forms like flakes, pearls, or powder, but for bromohexane, liquid remains the standard presentation due to the molecular structure and melting point. Bromohexane’s structure does not support crystallization or solidification at typical storage conditions, so solid or powdered forms do not appear on the market. When poured, bromohexane has a density around 1.176 g/cm³ at 20°C. Because of this specific gravity, it sinks below water, which matters for spill response and laboratory planning.

Chemical Structure and Physical Properties

The molecular formula C6H13Br reflects a six-carbon chain, each carbon surrounded by hydrogen atoms except for the terminal carbon, which gives up a hydrogen for a bromine atom. This brominated chain gives the molecule its reactivity and usefulness in organic synthesis, such as in the preparation of pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and specialty polymers. Bromohexane exhibits a boiling point of about 155°C to 158°C, so it presents as a volatile compound at moderately high temperatures. Its refractive index clocks in near 1.452, and the liquid itself is immiscible with water but dissolves readily in common organic solvents, including ether, ethanol, and chloroform. This matters for both process chemists planning a reaction and for safe waste handling procedures.

Material Safety, Hazards, and Storage

Bromohexane raises safety concerns familiar to anyone working with halogenated organics. It poses hazards for inhalation, skin contact, and accidental ingestion. The vapor, like many alkyl bromides, carries both acute and chronic health risks, from skin and eye irritation to possible effects on the central nervous system with repeated exposure. For these reasons, storage calls for tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated place, far from incompatibles like strong oxidizers and alkali metals. Laboratory workers handling bromohexane often rely on fume hoods, chemical-resistant gloves like nitrile, and safety goggles as minimal protection. On a materials safety data sheet (MSDS), one finds warning icons for irritation, flammability, and environmental harm, and bromohexane is marked as harmful — it can cause health effects if exposure gets out of hand, and disposal should never involve drains or ordinary trash. Municipal regulations often call for collection as hazardous chemical waste, so compliance with local laws matters whether in a research institution or factory setting.

Raw Materials and Manufacturing Context

Manufacturers look for quality in feedstock hexanol or hexene, brominated using molecular bromine or hydrobromic acid. This bromination takes place in well-controlled conditions, as process impurities can affect the final product’s physical properties. Purity levels often reach upwards of 97% for laboratory-grade bromohexane, with specifications listing water content, acidity, and light-absorbing impurities as key parameters. Maintaining quality control ensures consistency from batch to batch — an important point for chemical engineers working to synthesize key intermediates. Even a small slip in purity leads to side reactions or requires unwelcome troubleshooting during scale-up.

Applications and Responsible Use

Speaking from practical experience, bromohexane pops up again and again as a starting material in the synthesis of more complex molecules. It reacts readily with nucleophiles, so it often plays a role in the functionalization of larger molecules, especially in research labs making specialty chemicals. Despite its usefulness, keeping a healthy respect for its hazards keeps both users and the environment safe. Simple rules work: store in proper containers, avoid skin contact, ventilate well, and never dump leftover bromohexane into the sink. Education and awareness matter — both for seasoned chemists and new students stepping into a lab for the first time. These responsible practices shape the entire conversation around bromohexane — turning raw material into finished product, all while respecting health, safety, and environmental care.