4-[(5-Bromo-2-chlorophenyl)methyl]phenol belongs to the category of halogenated phenolic compounds, recognized for its distinctive aromatic framework and functional group arrangement. Chemists often look at its molecular backbone—C13H10BrClO—to map out both potential and risk. This compound breaks out of the generic label because the bromine and chlorine atoms impact both how it interacts with other chemicals and the way it must be handled in the lab or plant. The presence of a hydroxyl group on the phenolic ring makes the material notably more reactive, especially in organic synthesis applications. Some manufacturers lean on this structure when designing intermediates for pharmaceuticals, dyes, and other specialty chemicals. Trade names rarely pop up due to its application in early synthesis steps rather than finished goods.
At room temperature, 4-[(5-Bromo-2-chlorophenyl)methyl]phenol usually looks like pale crystals or off-white powder. Moisture in the working environment can nudge the material toward clumping, especially if storage conditions aren’t monitored. Its solid form handles easier than many liquids, reducing risks of spills, but this doesn't mean a relaxed approach to PPE. Molecular weight sits at 313.57 g/mol—a detail that seasoned chemists check before dosing or dissolving it. This compound fits into a class of small aromatic molecules that don’t disperse into the air like solvents. Melting points for this family typically land in the range of 100–150°C and the density floats around 1.6–1.8 g/cm³, so it settles fast if dumped in a beaker of water or solvent. These physical markers matter every time material is weighed or dissolved.
This compound's behavior in a reaction vessel never comes down to guesswork. The halogen atoms—bromine and chlorine—each sitting in strategic spots, steer the phenol ring into unique patterns of reactivity. This makes the compound a key player where selective halogenation or electrophilic substitutions are involved. Laboratory synthesis often begins with milder conditions, but the product itself stands up against light and air exposure better than some less-substituted phenols. With a logP expected around 4, the substance leans hydrophobic, so it won't dissolve readily in water but mixes well with common organics like dichloromethane or toluene.
The molecular formula is C13H10BrClO, showing one bromine, one chlorine, and a hydroxyl group fixed on a phenyl ring souped-up by an extra benzene ring. Structure bears importance for chemists plotting out future modifications or downstream synthesis. Accurate specification sheets quote the molecular weight, appearance, melting point, solubility in solvents, and the specific rotation, if relevant. Bulk handling brings in other specs like impurity profile, moisture content, heavy metal limits, and sometimes the method of synthesis (which affects trace residues).
Trade in this material moves under the Harmonized System Code 2908.99.00, a catch-all group for halogenated phenols not otherwise specified. Customs clearance, international shipping, and compliance hinge on this code—errors can slow procurement and border crossings, so all paperwork and labeling need to match. Regulatory agencies also track compounds with both phenolic and halogenated groups since they sometimes trigger environmental flags, so up-to-date SDS and regional toxicology sheets become part of the standard carrier documentation. End users in pharma and fine chemicals make sure every raw material shipment carries certificates, test results, and up-to-date regulatory status based on this HS code.
Handling 4-[(5-Bromo-2-chlorophenyl)methyl]phenol comes with risks—too many people overlook dust cloud exposure or skin contact when prepping a batch. The compound's phenolic group can irritate eyes and skin, and inhalation risk rises with solid forms, especially during transfer or weighing. Industrial hygiene practices call for gloves, goggles, dust masks, and systematic cleanup to prevent unnecessary exposure. Waste streams with even low levels of halogenated organics call for proper incineration or hazardous disposal as regular municipal waste routes create risks for water tables and downstream wildlife. The chemical ranks as “harmful” rather than immediately lethal, but chronic exposure to phenols gets scrutiny, so air quality and worker surveillance matter on a production line or in busy synthesis labs. If a spill occurs, containment and neutralization with dilute solutions, followed by disposal as hazardous waste, provide the safest path.
Suppliers ship this material in everything from foil-lined fiber drums to smaller HDPE bottles, but air- and moisture-proof containers extend shelf life. Commercially, most batches ship as crystalline flakes or powder, sometimes pressed into pellets for easier metering with automatic equipment. Wholesalers offering pellets or pearls produce these mostly for uniform dosing during large-scale synthesis. Direct exposure to strong sunlight or open air can yellow the material over time, potentially signalling breakdown or impurity formation. Temperature control in storage keeps the solid free flowing, especially for large lots earmarked for scale-up or batch manufacturing. Labs often split bigger containers into aliquots to cut down on repeated opening and airborne moisture uptake. Storage alongside strong oxidizers or acids isn't smart—segregation in a cool, dry, and dark environment maintains integrity for longer periods.
Chemists pull this compound off the shelf mainly for its role as a building block in organic reactions. Its molecular features make it a favorite for constructing more elaborate pharmaceuticals targeting central nervous system disorders, anti-infectives, and sometimes agricultural chemicals. Halogenated aromatic raw materials like this have become essential in medicinal chemistry due to their impact on metabolic stability and membrane penetration of drug candidates. In plastics and specialty coatings, derivatives show up as ingredients in high-performance polymers. Each application feeds off the compound’s base structure—halogens and phenol ring—unlocking selectivity or binding strength. Suppliers focus on purity, supply consistency, and full transparency on raw material sources because regulators and customers alike expect traceability and full documentation. Modern industry doesn’t operate on trust alone, especially with halogenated aromatics drawing extra oversight from both health and environmental authorities.
For all the benefits, handling and sourcing this raw material do raise headaches. Volatility in bromine and chlorine markets, transport delays due to hazardous labeling, and evolving environmental controls all pressure buyers and users. Supply chain managers have turned to closer partner networks with full chain-of-custody records, and some companies invest in local purification to sidestep purity swings. The rise in digital inventory platforms helps teams flag low stock or expiring lots before batch interruptions hit, particularly with specialty chemicals in short supply. Worker training stands as the most reliable way to cut down on exposure incidents—annual refreshers and periodic drills stick better than dusty binders of standard operating procedures. Waste recycling programs, including solvent reclamation and careful separation of halogenated byproducts, give larger plants a boost in both compliance and long-term cost control. Companies that match process safety investment with regular audit trails earn more trust, keep shipments moving, and reduce batch shutdowns related to raw material errors or lapses in documentation. With smarter logistics, well-trained teams, and proactive supplier partnerships, the risks tied to specialty chemical operations drop, while quality and regulatory confidence grow.
