5-Bromo-2-chlorobenzoic acid stands out as an important chemical compound for a range of industries. It goes by the molecular formula C7H4BrClO2 and carries a clear chemical structure: a benzene ring substituted with a bromine atom at position 5, a chlorine atom at position 2, and a carboxylic acid group. Quite a few people in chemistry will remember the way this structure influences both its reactions and its value as a raw material. Its CAS number provides a unique identifier for those sourcing and tracking chemical inventories. Many chemists, myself included, respect the diverse uses of aromatic acids in laboratory synthesis and industrial projects. Raw materials like this have a way of shaping outcomes in everything from pharmaceuticals to agricultural solutions.
The physical form of 5-Bromo-2-chlorobenzoic acid can shift depending on preparation and storage conditions. More often, it appears as a solid—sometimes as fine powder, sometimes as crystalline flakes, and in some cases, as larger pearls. The crystal structure marks it as a stable and manageable ingredient for users who demand accuracy in weighing and measuring their substances. This compound shows a molar mass of 235.46 g/mol, offering a handy way for anyone to calculate quantities for lab mixes or larger-scale reactions. Density, always crucial for those handling solutions or preparing mixtures, typically lands around 1.8 g/cm³. This weightiness might require a sturdy storage setup and careful dosing; I remember once spilling a dense aromatic acid in a student lab, and cleanup became a lesson in respecting the material's true heft.
5-Bromo-2-chlorobenzoic acid doesn’t dissolve easily in water, but interacts with organic solvents—part of what makes it useful for specialized applications. Color ranges from white to off-white. Anyone handling this material can recognize its faint, pungent odor, a reminder of its chemical presence and need for ventilation. A chemical like this brings both opportunity and risk: its structure has a way of making it a solid building block, yet that same structure calls for careful attention to personal safety and environmental procedures. Storage conditions demand cool, dry environments to avoid degradation or unwanted reactions. I’ve kept bottles of similar substances in tight-sealed glass containers, away from acids or bases, to maintain purity across months of use. Flakes might cling to surfaces or float in the air, so it pays to open containers gently and avoid unnecessary spills or contact.
Shared across industries, the HS Code for 5-Bromo-2-chlorobenzoic acid classifies it under 2916.39, part of the group for aromatic carboxylic acids and their derivatives. Customs and international shipping rely on this code, with compliance necessary for safe and legal transport. Regulations around hazardous chemicals usually require that everyone who handles or transports this acid uses appropriate documentation and clear labelling. Training in chemical management—something I’ve returned to throughout my own work—matters as much as technical skill when managing inventory and understanding how materials cross borders or move between facilities. The trade of this compound, whether for laboratory research or bulk industrial use, depends on those layers of documentation and care.
5-Bromo-2-chlorobenzoic acid deserves respect for its hazardous potential. It can cause damage if swallowed, inhaled, or comes in contact with skin. My early days handling toxic organic materials quickly taught me the need for gloves, goggles, and protective clothing. Chemical burns and irritation can arise from direct exposure, and inhalation risks require a chemical fume hood or efficient ventilation system. Accidental spills should not be underestimated; absorbent material and rigorous cleaning reduce the risk of ongoing exposure. Waste disposal needs to follow local hazardous material guidelines. Fire risks remain low under standard conditions, but the presence of bromine and chlorine in the compound's structure warrants caution during disposal and makes uncontrolled incineration unsafe. Proper training in storage and safety protocols can lower incident rates and protect workers, as I’ve seen first-hand in facilities that set safety as a cultural norm instead of a checkbox assignment.
Chemists rely on 5-Bromo-2-chlorobenzoic acid for its ready participation in the creation of more complex chemicals. Its value surfaces most clearly in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, dyes, and certain agrochemicals. Anyone working in medicinal chemistry can recognize the advantages of starting with a benzene ring already substituted at key positions—bromine and chlorine atoms provide points for further reaction, making this acid attractive for those developing new drug molecules or agricultural treatments. I’ve watched teams weigh raw batches of this acid to feed into large-scale batch reactors, feeding entire supply chains of specialty chemicals. As a raw material, it helps streamline synthesis routes, potentially reducing waste and lowering production costs. Suppliers must maintain a steady quality standard, as impurities can quickly derail a research or manufacturing process.
Sourcing high-purity 5-Bromo-2-chlorobenzoic acid matters. Trace contaminants can ruin analytical experiments or affect the potency of the compounds it helps create. Companies often form tight relationships with trusted suppliers, using batch certificates and rigorous quality control procedures to verify each delivery. Production itself, especially in larger batches, creates waste streams containing halogenated byproducts. Environmental responsibility comes into play: closed-system handling, solvent recycling, and joining local chemical disposal programs help lessen the ecological footprint. Workers on the factory floor look for clear labeling and up-to-date safety data sheets, while managers schedule regular hazard training to adapt to evolving chemical safety standards. The balance between production efficiency and safe, responsible management defines the long-term sustainability of operations using specialty acids like this one.
Molecular Formula: C7H4BrClO2
Molecular Weight: 235.46 g/mol
Physical Form: Solid; typically white powder, crystalline flakes, or pearls
Density: 1.8 g/cm³ (approximate)
Solubility: Poor in water; soluble in organics like ethanol and DMSO
Melting Point: Around 152-155°C
HS Code: 2916.39
Odor: Pungent, characteristic of halogenated aromatics
Hazard Classification: Harmful if swallowed or inhaled; irritant to skin and eyes
Typical Packaging: Glass bottles, HDPE drums, sealed pouches, sized from gram to kilo quantities
Storage Conditions: Cool, dry, protected from light and incompatible materials
5-Bromo-2-chlorobenzoic acid continues to play a role in research, development, and industrial manufacturing. Its structure gives it a unique set of reactive sites, supporting innovation in pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, and crop protection. Those working with this chemical will get the most out of it by recognizing both its versatility and its risks. Industry-wide improvements in transparency, safety training, and environmental practices stand to increase the positives while limiting potential harm. My own experience, and the lessons learned in the field, reinforce the value of respect, diligence, and constant learning—traits that benefit everyone from the laboratory bench to the global marketplace.
