1-Bromo-4-propylbenzene stands as an important building block in the chemical industry, prized for its straightforward structure and reliable reactivity. Its formula, C9H11Br, gives it a distinctly simple molecular make-up: a benzene ring sporting a bromine atom at the para position and a propyl chain at the opposite end. The HS Code attached to this compound is 2903699090, helping move it through customs with ease in global chemical trade. The way this molecule carries both a halogen and an alkyl chain on one aromatic ring sets up a versatile foundation for downstream synthesis and transformative reactions.
On the bench, 1-Bromo-4-propylbenzene usually shows up as a colorless to pale yellow liquid. Its density registers around 1.206 g/cm³ at 20°C, thanks to the heft of the bromine atom sidling up alongside a hydrocarbon backbone. Even folks who work with a lot of aromatic chemicals notice the persistent, slightly sweet odor, a common feature across many brominated benzenes. With a boiling point hovering near 243°C, there’s little risk of rapid evaporation at room temperature; instead, any volatility shows up under the heat of distillation or prolonged exposure to air. The material resists freezing until much lower temperatures—its melting point falls below -20°C—so solid flakes or crystalline forms don’t tend to appear under normal storage or handling. As for the format, this compound rarely comes as a powder, pearls, or in flake form; the liquid state handles most synthesis and laboratory needs, whether used neat or dissolved in an appropriate solvent.
It’s easy to spot a pattern with para-substituted bromobenzenes: they find frequent use in cross-coupling chemistry and more specialized pursuits. With that bromo group sticking out, the carbon-bromine bond makes a handy handle for nucleophilic substitution and palladium-catalyzed couplings—think Suzuki, Heck, or other named reactions that depend on a robust leaving group. The propyl chain tailors the hydrophobicity, nudging compatibility for organic-phase reactions without offering extra reactivity. Structural analysis by NMR or mass spectrometry never shows surprises—the molecular ion will land at 199.09 g/mol, so no time gets wasted on guesswork. You get what the name promises, no more, no less.
Professionals eye 1-Bromo-4-propylbenzene as a valued intermediate in pharmaceutical synthesis and agrochemical projects. Custom molecules get their frameworks from well-placed halogenated benzenes, with the para-propyl function giving both bulk and spatial selectivity. Even polymer researchers pay attention, using derivatives for specialty plastics or as monomers that contribute unique characteristics. On the supply side, the starting raw materials keep the cost manageable, often derived from well-established industrial processes. Chemical producers lean on robust purification and batch quality checks because a compound so often destined for further reactions can’t pass along any problem that might disrupt a downstream yield or produce byproducts.
Nobody should overlook safety when handling aromatic bromides. 1-Bromo-4-propylbenzene carries health risks associated with many halogenated organics. Inhalation or skin contact can irritate, and longer-term exposure tends to bring more serious worries. Chemical hygiene practices must kick in—gloves and chemical-resistant goggles matter, and ventilation can’t stay an afterthought. Each drum and bottle needs the right labels, clear about its classification as harmful and hazardous. Cleanup after a spill means containment, ventilation, and proper chemical waste disposal, not just a casual wipe-down. From an environmental standpoint, this material shouldn’t enter waterways and needs to stay tightly controlled to keep potential harm from spreading outside the lab or facility.
Specs for 1-Bromo-4-propylbenzene usually detail appearance, purity—often 98% or higher—and the expected boiling point, with GC or NMR data for verification. The density reads out right around 1.206 g/cm³, never far off, and impurities get flagged by retention time comparisons. Storage recommendations focus on cool, dry spaces, out of direct sunlight and heat. Tight-sealing containers reduce loss to evaporation and keep contaminants out. Keeping this liquid locked away from strong oxidizers, acids, and bases preserves both its chemical integrity and anyone’s peace of mind. For anyone weighing liters for a scale-up or drawing off milliliters for bench work, the right containers—usually glass or specified plastics—make daily chemistry safer and less prone to cross-contamination.
Years of working with aromatic halides teach a few essential lessons: reliable sourcing counts for everything, and clear labeling can save an entire day of troubleshooting. The bread-and-butter nature of 1-Bromo-4-propylbenzene in synthesis labs means users expect a hassle-free profile, and anything less quickly earns a compound a bad reputation. There’s always back-and-forth between cost and purity, but skimping on specification comes back to haunt projects later down the pipeline. Training technicians on potential hazards and best practices helps limit accidental exposures. Keeping close ties with reputable suppliers, maintaining rigorous documentation, and investing in proper waste handling close the loop—these steps do far more to sustain safe, efficient laboratory work than any technical fix tried after an accident. Making sure each bottle holds what it should never gets old in this industry.
