1-Bromo-4-pentylbenzene shows up in research labs and chemical manufacturing as a well-known organic intermediate. People in the specialty chemicals industry recognize the compound's structure: a benzene ring connects to a bromine atom at position one and a straight-chain pentyl group at position four. Its IUPAC name is 1-bromo-4-pentylbenzene. The compound uses the molecular formula C11H15Br, which describes a framework of eleven carbons, fifteen hydrogens, and one bromine atom. The molecular weight registers at about 227.14 g/mol. Every time I encountered this material in the lab, the standout qualities were its oily appearance and the smell typical of bromoarenes—unmistakable and slightly sweet, a gentle reminder of the chemicals at play.
1-Bromo-4-pentylbenzene generally appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature. Its density hovers around 1.161 g/cm³, which means it sinks in water but still pours with ease. Its solubility in water stays minimal, so anyone handling spills should keep in mind it loves organic solvents more than a dash of tap water. In most settings, this compound comes in liquid form, but under cool enough conditions or if the material is extra pure, thin and colorless crystals may form along the storage vessel’s edge. Compared to solids or powders, the liquid form allows for easier measurement and mixing in the lab, but the precautions stay the same—avoid breathing in vapors or letting it touch your skin.
The structure tells plenty about how 1-Bromo-4-pentylbenzene behaves. The bromine group brings reactivity; electrophilic substitutions take place at predictable spots on the benzene ring. Researchers like the pentyl side chain because it gives hydrophobic properties, and the direct carbon-bromine bond makes it suitable for building more complex molecules. Chemists who work with aryl halides know that this setup holds its own in many synthetic routes, especially cross-coupling projects. Handling this material in the lab means respecting the role of brominated organics—they sometimes release irritating fumes and want ventilation, gloves, and eye protection at all times.
Suppliers usually ship 1-Bromo-4-pentylbenzene as a liquid in sealed containers, sometimes as solutions in organic solvents, depending on the customer’s requirements. Color may range slightly from colorless to light yellow, reflecting levels of purity or slight oxidation over time. Purity often runs over 98% for industrial or research use, and the product sometimes arrives stabilized to avoid unwanted reactions during storage and transport. Chemists used to see solid samples or frozen crystals in the cold room, which dissolve quickly on warming. The packaging must prevent leaks and block out light, since brominated aromatics can degrade when left unchecked.
1-Bromo-4-pentylbenzene falls under HS Code 2903699090, which covers halogenated aromatic compounds. This classification carries duties and regulations for shipping, import, and export. Companies handling this material need documentation and labeling up to scratch with international rules. In the lab or in the warehouse, storing 1-Bromo-4-pentylbenzene demands careful management—fire-resistant cabinets, chemical spill kits, and clearly marked containers keep safety inspectors and workers alike more comfortable.
The raw material finds a home in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty organic materials. The bromine atom acts as a handle for coupling reactions, letting chemists build longer chains or swap in other functional groups. In aromatic substitution chemistry, having the pentyl group helps for certain solubility or membrane-crossing properties, making the compound a useful starting point for more complex designs. Large factories might order drums at a time, while small research groups pick up just a few grams. My own experience with these brominated intermediates tells me they almost always stand at the start of a synthesis map, rarely the end product themselves.
People should treat 1-Bromo-4-pentylbenzene with care, even if it doesn’t seem too reactive at first glance. Direct skin or eye contact can cause irritation; inhaling vapors over long periods feels harsh on your lungs. Local environmental rules demand proper waste management, so leftover solutions or rinses go into labeled chemical waste drums, not sinks. The safety data sheet rates it as harmful if swallowed or breathed in large quantities, and like many halogenated aromatics, it sticks around in the environment if mishandled. Fire risk stays moderate; the material doesn't ignite quickly but needs the right extinguisher and a plan if things go wrong.
