1-Bromopentane: Substance Overview, Characteristics, and Considerations

What is 1-Bromopentane?

1-Bromopentane appears in the world of chemicals as an essential organic halide. This colorless, oily liquid carries the molecular formula C5H11Br. Walk into any space where organic synthesis happens and you might find its sharp, distinct aroma in the air. I’ve worked alongside specialists who depend on it during alkylation reactions, needing its structure for building more complex molecules. Derived from pentane, this compound benefits from the addition of a bromine atom at one terminal carbon. The character of that carbon-bromine bond makes a difference in chemical reactions, helping to transfer the pentyl group in substitution reactions or forming Grignard reagents.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Think of its structure: a five-carbon straight chain, with a bromine atom replacing one hydrogen at the ‘1’ position. The molecular weight stands at 151.05 g/mol—a fact that is always underlined on labels in labs for precise measurement. Density clocks in near 1.176 g/cm³ at 20°C. This level of density sets it apart from water, making phase separation easy when preparing reactions. Its boiling point usually comes in around 129°C, while melting occurs close to -88°C, so it stays liquid in most working spaces. In my own experience, 1-Bromopentane refuses to dissolve in water but achieves full clarity in solvents like alcohol, ether, carbon tetrachloride, and chloroform. This property matters if you’re formulating extraction plans or setting up purification with distillation.

Physical Characteristics and Forms

Most suppliers offer 1-Bromopentane as a clear to straw-colored liquid, packed in sealed steel or amber glass bottles that keep light and moisture out. Only on rare occasions do you find it in other forms—powder, flakes, pearls, or solids are not typical for this substance under ambient conditions. Its volatility means vapor inhalation risks, so I’ve always worn gloves and worked under fume hoods. In summer, bottles sweat condensation if left at room temp after refrigeration, so proper storage pays off by keeping purity high and limits the risk of accidents.

Specifications, Standards, and Official Data

Manufacturers standardize this compound according to purity—most containers carry notations, sometimes upwards of 98%. You see parameters including refractive index (around n20/D 1.436), water content, appearance, and storage guidelines listed in provided datasheets. HS Code for 1-Bromopentane often falls under 29033990 globally—a line item that controls import and export. I’ve run across customs paperwork where accurate listing under the right code smooths transit between countries, especially for regulated chemicals.

Safe Handling, Hazards, and Health Considerations

Anyone working with 1-Bromopentane confronts the reality of chemical safety every day. Direct contact can irritate skin and eyes, so nitrile gloves and safety goggles show up as standard gear. Let the bottle splash and the sharp, distinct odor hits fast—open windows and fume hoods turn critical to prevent headaches or worse. Vapors cause respiratory irritation; accidental spills create slippery floors, adding a physical hazard to the chemical one. I’ve reviewed MSDS reports that mention harmful potential for aquatic organisms, underscoring why disposal always relies on proper chemical waste channels rather than ordinary drains.

Applications and Material Sourcing

Industries draw on 1-Bromopentane for creating pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and agrochemical intermediates. As a raw material, it provides a pentyl group—vital for customizing molecules to fit drug profiles or modify physical properties in specialty materials. In instructional labs, it helps demonstrate substitution reactions and chain extension, making lecture examples tangible. In my time managing reagents, I’ve seen demand spike whenever a new synthetic pathway debuts in patent filings, showing real-world impact beyond the classroom.

Solutions for Storage, Transport, and Regulation

Keeping 1-Bromopentane stable demands a cool, dry place out of sunlight, with containers checked for cracks or loose seals. Labels need clear hazard symbols and instructions for accidents. Training new chemists, we focus on personal protective equipment, secure shelving, and spill response tailored to halogenated liquids. For shipping, compliance with GHS, REACH, and DOT regulations keeps handlers and the environment safe. I’ve found that storing this chemical with inventory logs and digital tracking software improves accountability and prevents mishandling, especially for bulk supplies headed to manufacturing sites.

Perspective on Risk and Responsible Practice

Risk around 1-Bromopentane lies not just in its inherent toxicity but in the way people interact with it. Training and vigilance matter more than relying on labels alone for safety. In the event of leaks, teams who know what steps to take act fast, minimizing danger to themselves and others. Facilities that use fume hoods, provide first-aid stations, and refresh protocols every quarter see fewer incidents and higher product quality. Pay attention to regulations and best practices; they exist for reasons rooted in science and shared experience. True stewardship of 1-Bromopentane means thinking one step ahead—never assuming past luck guarantees future safety.