BMPPA’s backstory stretches deep into the annals of synthetic organic chemistry. Scientists began taking a closer look at substituted phenylpropionic acids in the mid-twentieth century, as researchers searched for structures that could be fine-tuned for medicinal, agrochemical, and materials science needs. It didn’t take chemists long to see that adding a bromomethyl group to the phenyl ring of a propionic acid backbone didn’t just change the molecule on paper – it completely altered its utility on a lab bench. The bromo function, positioned on the para site relative to the propionic acid, remained a favored target for experimentation. For more than forty years, research teams from academic labs to specialty chemical companies turned to BMPPA as a key intermediate for pharmaceutical syntheses and novel catalyst development. Its role in custom synthesis workflows represents the scientific curiosity and persistence that drive the field forward.
2-(4-Bromomethyl)Phenylpropionic acid grabs attention because it blends useful properties with a manageable structure. Its classic phenylpropionic acid skeleton, modified with a bromomethyl group, clearly broadens its functionality. The molecule’s design signals flexibility. Chemists appreciate these choices because they open doors, rather than paint them into a corner. Many available forms cater to laboratory and industrial needs, with purity levels typically set at 98% or above. Imagining a day in the lab, the reliability of obtaining BMPPA that meets tough analytical standards keeps research and process flows smooth, even in high-throughput settings.
Here's a compound with a molecular formula of C10H11BrO2 and a molar mass of about 243.1 g/mol. Visually it sits as a solid, often off-white to pale yellow, and remains stable under ambient storage when kept dry and sealed away from intense sunlight. The bromomethyl group not only increases molar mass but influences boiling and melting points, with the melting range commonly between 80°C and 90°C, depending on trace impurities. The acid end allows modest solubility in polar solvents like methanol and ethanol, while low water solubility persists—a property that sometimes complicates purification, but also helps in extractions. In the flask, BMPPA proves reactive under the usual synthetic conditions: alkylation, esterification, and halogen substitution come easy, making it popular in tailored reactions.
Chemical suppliers list BMPPA using batch-specific technical certificates, typically citing GC or HPLC analysis as evidence of purity. Labels note not only the CAS number but storage recommendations, suggested shelf life, and sometimes even trace metal content. Clear tracking and labeling matter—labs require this paper trail for regulatory compliance and everyday safety. Taming the risks of laboratory life always comes back to knowing exactly what’s on your shelf and how it will behave under all routine and not-so-routine conditions. Proper lot numbering ensures research projects are reproducible and regulatory audits stay straightforward.
Creating BMPPA usually involves bromination of a methyl group attached to a benzene ring. One common synthetic route starts from 2-phenylpropionic acid. Through para-selective bromination, the methyl group on the aromatic ring reacts with bromine, often using radical initiators under controlled temperature. By keeping the environment inert and strictly monitoring the concentration of reagents, chemists minimize side reactions and produce high yields. The reaction products undergo extraction with a suitable solvent and recrystallization or column chromatography to achieve substantial purity. The prepared compound is characterized using NMR, IR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry, confirming the presence of the bromomethyl substituent at the para position. Repeating these production methods at scale means industrial chemists can meet growing demand for specialty syntheses.
Once you have BMPPA in hand, it serves as a versatile starting material. That bromine atom acts like a bright beacon for nucleophilic substitution—amines, thiols, and alcohols can all displace the bromine, resulting in an impressive diversity of analogues. The propionic acid functional group brings further options: esterification with a range of alcohols, amidation for peptide analogues, and formation of salts for solubility tweaks. Many medicinal chemistry groups reach for BMPPA when building out libraries of potential drug candidates, because its adaptable scaffold provides a reliable balance of reactivity and functional group compatibility. The toolbox effect of this compound cannot be overstated—chemists know what to expect and often use it to introduce a specific structural motif when other reagents create headaches.
BMPPA comes with a handful of other common names: 2-(4-bromomethylphenyl)propanoic acid, p-bromomethylphenylpropionic acid, and simply BM-Phenylpropionic acid, depending on the catalog or regulatory authority. These synonyms all trace back to the same core—accurate naming becomes more than semantics, especially as international shipments and collaborative projects move across borders. Standardized naming in databases helps researchers connect literature findings, even when slight spelling variations or order of functional groups come into play.
Handling BMPPA demands respect for both chemical and occupational safety. Like many organobromine compounds, it can irritate skin and respiratory systems, sometimes even producing acute symptoms if inhaled or absorbed in significant quantities. Labs restrict exposure through gloves, protective eyewear, and fume hoods, with standard operating procedures calling for proper spill kits and well-marked waste disposal bins. Storage in airtight, properly labeled containers keeps risk low. Researchers all recall moments of near-miss exposures, which teach the importance of vigilance; those stories often pass from senior staff to new hires, keeping memories sharp and safety culture alive. Data sheets for BMPPA recommend prompt action in case of spills or accidental skin contact, so new staff learn not to underestimate hazard potential, no matter how routine the work feels.
Synthetic organic chemistry enjoys BMPPA for its utility as a building block—the pharmaceutical field often turns to it for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) analogues and other experimental agents targeting inflammation or cancer pathways. Beyond pharma, BMPPA’s structure makes it valuable for creating monomers in specialty polymer design, where the combination of acid and benzyl bromide groups allows fine-tuning of chain properties. Agrochemicals, colorants, and even specialty electronic materials have benefited from BMPPA-derived motifs, as the electron-withdrawing effects of bromine change how molecules behave in complex mixtures. Companies that focus on custom synthesis or contract research keep it stocked for just these opportunities, knowing a project’s requirements can shift at a moment’s notice.
The academic world sees BMPPA as more than just another halogenated acid—it opens experimental channels for graduate students and principal investigators exploring new compound libraries. Publications detail its roles in asymmetric synthesis, prodrug development, and exploration of receptor-ligand interactions that underpin some of the most important treatments today. R&D teams keep records of reaction yields, side-product formation, and biological activity profiles. BMPPA’s predictability also lets computational chemists benchmark models against experimental outcomes, lending credibility to in silico screening workflows. Investment in new bromination protocols or cleaner purification stages always finds justification when the demands for both speed and environmental sustainability rise.
Every chemical with a halogen atom raises toxicity questions, and BMPPA is no exception. Studies in rodents and cell culture have examined both acute and chronic exposure outcomes. BMPPA’s low water solubility may slow its absorption, but full data remains rare, creating uncertainty around safe dosage thresholds. European and Asian regulatory frameworks ask for robust toxicity testing before approving heavy industrial or pharmaceutical use; this has increased the number of independent safety studies over the past decade. Reports usually focus on liver and kidney function, documenting metabolic pathways that break down the phenylpropionic acid core or detach the bromine moiety. In real-world terms, keeping exposures as low as possible remains the guiding principle, supported by ongoing work to fill toxicological data gaps for new derivatives and products.
Synthetic chemists continue to explore BMPPA and its derivatives for new catalyst frameworks, targeted pharmaceuticals, and smart materials. As interest in green chemistry grows, teams try to devise bromination schemes that avoid harsh reagents or waste streams, turning to electrochemical methods or biocatalysts as potential alternatives. The molecule’s clean geometry still holds appeal for medicinal chemists optimizing pharmacokinetic profiles or improving oral bioavailability. Interest from the electronics sector signals a wider future for these motif-containing monomers, especially in niche polymers and sensors. Ongoing regulatory changes, especially in Europe, may add hurdles for scale-up, yet the combination of function and tunability keeps BMPPA relevant in specialty synthesis shops and academic innovation pipelines. Each improvement in safety, purity, or sustainable synthesis only broadens its role as both a reliable workhorse and a jumping-off point for the next wave of chemistry breakthroughs.
BMPPA stands out in organic chemistry circles for a reason. Structurally, it carries a propionic acid backbone clasping a benzene ring. That’s nothing new, until a bromomethyl group shows up attached to the fourth carbon of that aromatic ring. Its formal chemical formula is C10H11BrO2. Take one good look at its skeleton and you’ll spot three main features: a carboxylic acid moiety on the side chain, a three-carbon propionic chunk, and a bromomethyl tag on the para position of the ring. All these set up BMPPA for some interesting interactions.
That bromomethyl sticking off the benzene ring is more than window dressing. Bromine brings heavy weight to the molecule, making it dense and reactive in a way other halogens (like chlorine or fluorine) don’t. Chemists searching for building blocks in drug development or specialty chemicals regularly end up tinkering with brominated aromatics for this very trait: easy functionalization. I’ve seen my share of synthetic failures tied to sloppier arrangements. BMPPA, on the other hand, offers a stable body with a reactive limb. That’s a combination both rare and valued in labs trying to extend or block certain reactions.
Every time I handled BMPPA in an academic lab, researchers would crowd around, debating its best use. Its carboxylic acid moiety attaches BMPPA firmly to organic frameworks, so the compound doesn’t just float through a reaction— it plants roots. Meanwhile, the bromomethyl group provides a good launching pad for further substitutions, like making new carbon-carbon bonds or nucleophilic additions. This setup lets medicinal chemists test ideas for new nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and experiment with analog creation.
Even beyond drug research, BMPPA’s design gives chemists a chance to attach the structure to polymers or use it to create sophisticated organic molecules for electronics. Broadly speaking, molecules like this keep chemical innovation moving. If you want a clear link between fundamental chemical structure and progress in pharmaceuticals, BMPPA tells the story. Its careful arrangement gives labs worldwide control over reactivity and compatibility— key factors that make or break a breakthrough.
Working with brominated compounds always brings safety to mind. Bromine in organic chemicals isn’t forgiving. Exposing skin or breathing the vapors is hazardous. Lab safety data emphasize gloves, masks, controlled ventilation, and accessible spill clean-up. Gaps in preparation can lead to real harm. While some risk feels baked into chemistry, industry regulations have helped. The move toward best-practice handling reflects years of trial and error, some unfortunately learned the hard way.
BMPPA’s stability doesn’t mean care goes out the window. Its reactive bromomethyl makes it a fire hazard if stored near strong bases or oxidizers. Lessons I learned at the bench— store it dry, label it well, and treat any spill like a real threat. Institutions guiding responsible use have made these basics a habit.
Questions over the long-term ecological impact of brominated aromatics linger. Most of the time, byproducts from their synthesis can cause environmental headaches if not handled right. Some labs now focus on green chemistry routes, using less hazardous solvents and scavenging waste. Progress also means keeping one eye on alternatives: finding other functional groups that give similar control without as many disposal problems. Careful sourcing of reagents and transparent reporting on waste can lighten the industry’s footprint.
So, while 2-(4-Bromomethyl)Phenylpropionic Acid might seem like just another chemical, its setup bridges gaps between bench-top experiments and the larger push for innovation and safety in chemistry. Anyone working with it finds both possibilities and responsibilities within its structure.
Walk into almost any facility where experts craft specialty plastics or toughen up coatings, and BMPPA—bis-(4-maleimidophenyl)methane—makes a regular appearance. In my time spent working alongside chemical engineers, discussions about BMPPA pop up whenever the talk turns to demanding environments: places where heat, pressure, and chemicals threaten to break most materials down. BMPPA emerges as a problem solver, helping companies meet standards that a typical epoxy just cannot handle.
Composite manufacturers often opt for BMPPA because of its unique way of adding strength to resins. BMPPA-based bismaleimide resins stand out whenever carbon fiber or glass fiber composites need to last under punishing conditions. Boeing and Airbus rely on these composites to deliver lightweight yet robust airplane parts. In practice, you see BMPPA working its magic in jet engine nacelles, wing assemblies, and structural elements that don't get away with failure. Take a closer look at most new airframes, and you'll find its fingerprints there.
Insulation companies searching for materials that shrug off electricity and resist breakdown at high voltage know BMPPA intimately. It often finds its way into laminates for printed circuit boards, electrical coils, and specialty insulation used in transformers and motors. Electric car makers also keep BMPPA in the toolkit, especially as battery technologies push further into higher voltages. In my conversations with electrical engineers, BMPPA tends to rank high thanks to its resilience against both heat and tough mechanical stress.
BMPPA-enhanced adhesives see frequent action in the aerospace and electronics sectors. By locking in thermal stability and sticking power, these adhesives hold components together when cheaper glues would crack or peel. Paint and surface-coating developers rely on BMPPA additives when they need long-lasting protection against jet fuel, hydraulic fluids, or the constant temperature changes on a moving train. BMPPA doesn’t quit after a summer or two in sunlight, so bridge designers and high-speed rail engineers use these coatings to extend maintenance cycles and keep infrastructure spending under control.
Modern cars demand polymers that thrive in hot engines and near exhaust pipes. Military vehicles face even greater punishment from rough roads, rapid temperature shifts, and exposure to chemicals. In automotive design meetings, engineers bring up BMPPA every time someone asks for a lighter, stronger part—especially in hybrid drives or armored panels. As the demand for safer, more energy-efficient military and automotive equipment climbs, BMPPA quietly powers the shift away from outdated materials.
With such wide adoption, safety and responsible use become crucial. Companies still face challenges related to the safe handling and end-of-life disposal of BMPPA derivatives. Researchers keep fine-tuning processes to trim waste and boost recyclability, and regulatory changes in Europe and North America pressure manufacturers to reveal more about their supply chain’s footprint. Transparency builds trust, and as a writer who has spoken with both chemists and compliance auditors, I've seen firsthand how open communication about BMPPA helps everyone—from workers in the plant to the end-users who depend on these durable materials.
2-(4-Bromomethyl)Phenylpropionic Acid lands on the bench with a little mystery painted on its label. Many research and pharmaceutical labs rely on chemicals like this one, but anyone who has opened a new bottle of unfamiliar powder knows the mix of curiosity and worry that goes with it.
This particular compound doesn’t demand elaborate equipment for everyday use, but it deserves respect. Sprinkling a bit here, splashing a bit there—those habits add up to risk over time. Most accidents aren’t dramatic explosions, just small exposures adding to bigger health issues. I’ve watched seasoned chemists treat the unknown slightly differently, making safety routine. That’s the model more people ought to follow.
2-(4-Bromomethyl)Phenylpropionic Acid wears two warning hats. Its bromomethyl group causes concern for skin and lung sensitivity, while its propionic acid base gives it a mild acidic bite. Neither feature calls for panic, but the combination rewards a little extra planning. Direct contact ought to be avoided because repeated skin exposure can trigger allergies. Breathing in the powder, even in tiny amounts, can irritate the lungs.
The safest approach uses a no-excuses system. Closed bottles go right back on the shelf after use. Clean scoops, nitrile gloves, safety goggles, and coats get used every time. Powdered material handles best under a fume hood or at least with good room ventilation. Tops stay tightly closed because humidity ruins the quality, and open containers let powder escape into the air.
This compound does best in a dry, dark spot, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. Storage temperatures in the range of ordinary room temperature keep things stable; most labs stick to 20–25°C unless a material specifies a fridge. Sturdy bottles with screw-on caps provide the best barrier against both air and nosy colleagues. If someone spills a little on the bench, a quick sweep with a damp towel, followed by careful disposal in a chemical waste bin, keeps everything in check.
Clear labeling matters more than most people admit. Working in a shared lab, I’ve seen bottles drift across benches with mystery splatters and faded sticky notes. Every bottle should have the full name, date received, and hazard info. That’s how labs avoid mix-ups and nasty surprises. Even in solo setups, memory plays games after a weekend. Labels keep everyone honest.
Regulations like OSHA and guidelines from chemical suppliers spell out plenty on handling hazardous substances. But real safety comes from building everyday habits, not just reciting rules during orientation. Anyone handling something new should check the safety data sheet before opening a bottle—this document tells you what you really need to look out for, in plain terms. Medical professionals and poison control teams always prefer a precise ingredient list to a wild guess if something goes wrong.
Most accidents stem from bad habits and rushed work. Supervisors should lead quick safety reviews and rotate responsibility for chemical storage once in a while. This keeps people alert. Investing in sturdy secondary containment bins limits fallout from spills. Posting an easy-to-read list of the ten riskiest chemicals in a shared fridge or storage cabinet shortens the time it takes to act during an emergency.
Chemicals like 2-(4-Bromomethyl)Phenylpropionic Acid aren’t out there to scare anyone out of the lab. They just need practical respect. With clear labels, good ventilation, consistent habits, and smart supervision, everyone gets home safe, and the science moves forward.
People use BMPPA, a specialty chemical, in fields where quality isn’t optional. Buyers usually expect purity above 98%. Some chemical distributors even promise that elusive 99%. The reason for setting the bar so high isn’t about chasing numbers; it’s about trust and safety in practical applications.
Think about electronics or pharmaceutical manufacturing. One stray contaminant, even a fraction of a percent, turns a reliable process into a problem waiting to happen. Low-purity chemicals can trigger unwanted reactions, clog up machinery, or spoil batches worth thousands. So chasing high purity isn't about bragging rights. It’s about protecting expensive processes and outcomes.
Labs use tough, reliable tools to figure out what’s really in that white crystalline powder. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) stands out. HPLC separates the different compounds and shows exactly how much BMPPA is present in a sample compared to potential impurities. Companies bank on this method because it delivers hard, verifiable numbers.
Another method, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), picks apart even trace impurities the naked eye can’t catch. These lab setups cost serious money, but skipping on proper testing costs even more once bad material lands in a sensitive process. Sometimes, companies back up their results with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy too, a technique you'd expect in high-grade pharmaceutical environments.
True purity isn’t just a sales pitch. Each batch comes with a certificate of analysis (COA) from the lab, listing results from all these tests. In practice, one looks for a clear, detailed document, not just a generic “99%.” Responsible suppliers attach raw data, not just a checkbox.
Supply chain traceability isn’t a buzzword for these folks. One hiccup—an inconsistency between COA numbers and independent lab results—often means pausing or scrapping an order. Big manufacturers work with third-party labs for verification. This is no small expense, but it cuts down product recalls and helps avoid lawsuits over faulty end products.
Purity verification isn’t just tech. It relies on skilled chemists and lab technicians. Errors pop up when shortcuts get taken or rushed jobs skip control steps. Training, ethical handling, and regular audits play a big role. Experience counts. Chemists with years behind the bench spot problems before they hit the customer line.
To keep improving purity, suppliers and manufacturers need an open feedback loop. If one batch ever falls short, sharing that data—not hiding it—pushes everyone to do better. Industry players benefit when data flows between customers and producers. Technology helps, but transparency and shared learning do the real heavy lifting.
Pursuing the highest levels of BMPPA purity isn’t a “nice to have.” In a lot of industries, it’s the barrier between smooth sailing and major disruption. Clear verification keeps trust alive in every shipment.
In my time working around chemicals, I've learned that some names just stick in your mind—BMPPA is one of those. Its longer name, 4-bromomethylphenylboronic acid pinacol ester, might not roll off the tongue, but it comes up often enough in organic labs and research settings. The less you know about the hazards, the easier it is to treat a bottle like any other. For anyone moving a flask of this stuff or measuring it out at a bench, it's important to pause and ask what dangers might be lurking out of sight.
BMPPA isn't the most famous chemical hazard out there, but it does deserve respect. This compound usually comes as a solid. It isn’t too volatile, so you won’t get strong fumes. That can lead to a false sense of security — no harsh smell to warn you, no quick headache like with some other boronic compounds. But don't let that fool you. It's still organic, still reactive, and if you get sloppy with it, you risk breathing in stray dust or, worse, absorbing it through the skin. Eyes and lungs especially don’t mix well with accidental chemical exposure, and this is one of those powders you don’t want to ignore during cleanup.
BMPPA isn't classified as acutely toxic under mainstream safety guidelines, but its structure brings concerns you shouldn’t dismiss. There’s a bromine atom attached, and that often signals a potential irritant. Boronic acids or esters, like this one, sometimes damage eyes or cause skin rashes if they’re handled without gloves. Anyone who's scrubbed their hands raw after a spill understands the urge to take gloves and goggles seriously. It’s not about paranoia — it's about avoiding long-term effects nobody wants. Sometimes you discover sensitivity to a compound the hard way, after a little exposure. Trusting lab data over shaky trial and error helps you stay healthy.
The right safety data tells a grounded story. BMPPA data sheets recommend safety glasses, powder-resistant gloves, and lab coats. Engineers in labs with lots of traffic tend to stick with chemical hoods even if a powder seems gentle. I learned to sweep surfaces with damp cloths instead of air, just to avoid stirring up dust. Basic gear makes life easier — nitrile gloves and splash goggles cost pennies, but they buy plenty of peace of mind.
Even if symptoms seem mild, unpredictable chemical effects keep popping up in workers who overlook the rules. British and American workplace data both show that chronic exposure to chemical powders, over years, can trigger asthma and contact dermatitis. You probably won’t spot these problems right away, so prevention is far smarter than treatment down the line. Don’t risk ending up another statistic for a shortcut that saves seconds.
Practical choices shape chemical safety every day. Anyone around BMPPA should keep chemical safety sheets close and pay attention to ventilation. Avoiding food and drink near chemical workbenches is more than a box to tick on a protocol list — it’s about breaking the bad habits that cause real trouble in labs. For storage, tight-sealing containers in dry places work well, since moisture sometimes breaks down boronic esters. Disposal brings its own rules; chemical waste bins for organic compounds prevent toxic runoff and keep janitorial staff safe.
Decisions in the lab echo outside its walls, especially for anyone carrying chemicals home on a jacket sleeve or glove. I’ve seen good habits catch on fast when senior lab members model caution, share stories of close calls, and demand attention to every bottle label. That’s not just procedure — it’s how accidents get avoided and people finish their careers with health (and curiosity) intact.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 2-[4-(Bromomethyl)phenyl]propanoic acid |
| Other names |
2-(4-(Bromomethyl)phenyl)propanoic acid
BMPPA 4-Bromomethyl-α-methylhydrocinnamic acid |
| Pronunciation | /tuː daʃ fɔːr broʊ.moʊˌmɛθ.ɪl ˈfiː.nɪl proʊˈpiː.ɒn.ɪk ˈæs.ɪd/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 26236-62-0 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1208731 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:131754 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL4151619 |
| ChemSpider | 32455155 |
| DrugBank | DB08798 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03bf63e5-2c0b-4982-bc3b-5ca7227725a1 |
| EC Number | EC Number: 606-017-4 |
| Gmelin Reference | 82432 |
| KEGG | C18617 |
| MeSH | D04.210.500.365.180 |
| PubChem CID | 166867 |
| RTECS number | UJ4375000 |
| UNII | C1A1W51909 |
| UN number | UN3272 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C10H11BrO2 |
| Molar mass | 274.12 g/mol |
| Appearance | white solid |
| Density | 1.51 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | insoluble |
| log P | 3.2 |
| Acidity (pKa) | 4.5 |
| Basicity (pKb) | pKb = 9.63 |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.588 |
| Dipole moment | 2.84 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -7113 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | Not assigned |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | H315, H319, H335 |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS05 |
| Pictograms | C1=CC(=CC=C1CC(=O)O)CBr |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P280, P301+P312, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-(4-Bromomethyl)Phenylpropionic Acid(BMPPA)": "2-1-0 |
| Flash point | Flash point: >110°C |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for 2-(4-Bromomethyl)Phenylpropionic Acid (BMPPA) is not specifically established by OSHA or ACGIH. |
| REL (Recommended) | 250 mg, 1 g |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
2-(4-Chloromethyl)phenylpropionic acid
2-(4-Methyl)phenylpropionic acid 2-(4-Fluoromethyl)phenylpropionic acid 2-(4-Bromomethyl)phenylacetic acid 2-(4-Bromomethyl)benzoic acid |
