1,10-Dibromodecane stands out as a versatile organic compound, showcasing two bromine atoms settled at the terminal carbons of a straight ten-carbon chain. This gives it the molecular formula C10H20Br2 and a structure where reactivity favors the end positions, making it a favored intermediate in several industrial syntheses. Chemists working with this compound get familiar with its heavy, oily liquid appearance under standard conditions, often colorless or faintly yellow, unlike many other organohalides that tend toward crystalline states at room temperature. It comes with a molecular weight of about 303.08 g/mol, a detail crucial for anyone measuring or scaling reactions in synthetic labs.
The density of 1,10-Dibromodecane hovers around 1.564 g/cm³ at 20°C, making it noticeably denser compared to similar hydrocarbons lacking halogen atoms. In handling, this compound displays poor solubility in water, but dissolves readily in organic solvents like ether, chloroform, and alcohol, supporting many downstream industrial applications. Not all compounds are comfortable across a broad temperature range, but this one maintains its integrity up to boiling points of 328-330°C. Those who deal with storage or shipping needs might prefer its stable, oily liquid form, though with cooling, it sometimes appears as a waxy solid. Safety data guides label it as a hazardous chemical, with an HS Code of 2903699090 for international trade.
Anyone familiar with handling organobromine compounds respects the necessity for careful safety measures, both in the lab and industrial settings. Like many alkyl halides, 1,10-Dibromodecane can irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory passages. Quick absorption through the skin means direct contact should be avoided, and I’ve seen experienced hands use double gloves without exception. Good ventilation proves essential while working near open vessels, as inhaling vapors could spark headaches, nausea, or worse. Material Safety Data Sheets clearly highlight this as a harmful chemical; spills call for proper containment, not makeshift paper towels. There’s also the question of environmental persistence—brominated compounds have a record of resisting microbial breakdown, leaving concerns over accumulation in soil and water. For disposal, trained professionals follow clear hazardous waste protocols, steering clear of drains or regular trash.
Unlike more common raw materials coming only as powders or crystals, 1,10-Dibromodecane usually gets shipped and used as a clear to pale-yellow liquid. Depending on temperature, it can solidify into waxy flakes or pearlescent granules, but most synthesis work relies on its liquid state. The straight-chain decane backbone, capped by bromines, shapes its chemical personality—those terminal bromine atoms give it a symmetrical structure, lending itself to uniform alkylations or cross-linking reactions. Chemically stable in dark containers and away from strong bases, it reacts predictably under controlled conditions. It can feel reassuring to open a container and avoid the strong or unpleasant odor seen in some volatile halides; the smell here is faint and almost sweet.
Many manufacturers count on 1,10-Dibromodecane as a trusted raw material in synthesizing specialty chemicals. It steps into polymer industries, where bifunctional bromides help build long-chain molecules, giving plastics improved structural qualities or chemical resilience. In pharmaceuticals, the terminal bromines act as reliable leaving groups, providing a launch point for more complex molecules. From my time working with organic intermediates, having a well-characterized “building block” like this makes complex targets feel within reach. Electronics industries sometimes tap its potential during manufacturing, counting on robust carbon-bromine bonds to add functionality to specialty materials or coatings. Laboratory curiosity and experimentation push it into new forms too—recent academic papers explore its uses in supramolecular chemistry, where its symmetrical shape encourages self-assembly and molecular recognition studies.
Looking closer at its structure, 1,10-Dibromodecane delivers a decane chain with bromine atoms at each end. The formula, C10H20Br2, tells you exactly what you’re working with during reaction planning; every bromine adds significant heft compared to plain hydrocarbons, changing physical properties like boiling point and melting point. That increase in mass and altered electron density play a role in reactivity, since the bromines can easily get swapped out for other functional groups, plus they’re polarized, drawing electron density away from the carbon chain. Many reactions harness this to drive efficient substitutions. The compound’s crystalline form reveals straight, extended molecules packing in a regular lattice at lower temperatures, though handling rarely calls for work with its solid form unless chilling or shipping in cold climates.
Anyone trading or shipping 1,10-Dibromodecane recognizes that international regulations demand careful classification. With an HS Code of 2903699090, suppliers must provide proper documentation and label shipments as hazardous or harmful. Storage conditions matter—tight sealing in compatible containers, protection from light, and temperature monitoring reduce unwanted reactions or degradation. I’ve found that storing this chemical away from oxidizing agents and acids keeps it fresh for months, with the viscosity staying mostly unchanged under standard lab refrigeration. Large-scale users move the product in metal drums or chemical-resistant plastic totes, each batch tracked with a unique lot number to satisfy traceability rules. These details aren’t just bureaucratic hurdles; traceability pays off if questions ever arise on purity or safety.
Sustainability comes under sharper focus each year. Seeing 1,10-Dibromodecane in labs and factories raises important points about greener chemistry. Some companies look into minimizing waste and treating effluent through advanced filtration or incineration designed for halogenated organics. Whenever a process swaps out hazardous halides or finds a way to recycle brominated byproducts, environmental impact eases up. It’s possible to push research agencies to fund safer synthetic routes; alternative synthesis using less toxic reagents gets active attention. Training workers on updated handling and disposal standards pays off too. I’ve noticed fewer accidents where staff stays current on best practices, from personal protective equipment to chemical hygiene. Regulatory agencies hold facilities accountable not just for product quality, but for what goes down the drain at day’s end—satisfying those standards means companies protect workers, communities, and the environment alike.
