10-Bromodecanoic Acid stands out as an important specialty chemical, recognized for its role as a versatile raw material in organic synthesis. With the chemical formula C10H19BrO2 and a molecular weight of 267.16 g/mol, this compound consists of a ten-carbon saturated fatty acid chain, where a single bromine atom attaches to the terminal carbon at position 10. The molecule features a carboxylic acid functional group at one end, which drives both its reactivity and solubility behaviors. Its structure enables participation in a wide range of organic reactions, serving as a foundation for creating more complex molecules in research and production environments.
This compound generally appears as white to creamy solid flakes, although powders, crystalline granules, and sometimes small pearls can also be observed depending on the method of synthesis and purification. Its melting point falls within 39–44°C, which keeps it solid at ambient temperatures but easily workable with gentle heating in laboratory or industrial scenarios. The density typically measures at approximately 1.25 g/cm3, a value that supports accurate handling during formulation work. 10-Bromodecanoic Acid remains sparingly soluble in water, while dissolving neatly in many organic solvents including ethyl acetate, chloroform, and methanol—a property that enables flexibility across different chemical environments.
The presence of a bromine atom draws significant attention in synthetic chemistry. As a molecule capped with both halogen and carboxyl groups, 10-Bromodecanoic Acid displays reactivity that allows for carbon chain elongation, cross-coupling, and substitution reactions. The carboxylic acid functionality behaves predictably, enabling salt and ester formation, while the bromine atom becomes a springboard for nucleophilic substitution and Grignard synthesis. This dual reactive nature helps chemists construct a broad array of intermediates essential in pharmaceuticals, materials science, and specialty surfactants. While less volatile than shorter-chain analogs, care must still be taken as both the acid and the heavy halogen confer unique safety profiles.
Industrial production focuses on purity and consistency, with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods commonly applied to guarantee product integrity. Widely accepted specifications include a minimum purity of 98%, acid value located in the 195–205 mg KOH/g range, and controlled moisture content to avoid unwanted hydrolysis or decomposition. Standard material is offered in solid flakes or crystalline powder, packaged in high-density polyethylene containers or sealed drums to shield from moisture uptake and UV exposure. The Harmonized System (HS) Code typically used for international trade is 291590, falling within the group designated for saturated mono- and polycarboxylic acids and their derivatives.
The main draw for research laboratories and industries revolves around the ability of 10-Bromodecanoic Acid to introduce a tailored brominated alkyl chain into target molecules. The pharmaceutical industry often looks to halogenated fatty acids for both direct biological activity against pathogens and as stepping stones to more complex therapeutics. In specialty polymer synthesis, this compound serves as a chain transfer agent or as a building block for surfactants displaying both hydrophobic and reactive halogenated ends, providing emulsification properties not possible with unmodified fatty acids. In my experience working with surfactant formulations, the importance of precise chain length and halogen placement for performance never becomes more apparent than with molecules like this one; properties such as surface tension and critical micelle concentration can change surprisingly with every tweak to the structure.
There is a dual edge to its utility: 10-Bromodecanoic Acid brings both value as a synthetic intermediate and certain hazards requiring respect. Like many organobromine compounds, it can cause harm on contact with skin, inhalation, or ingestion—skin and eye irritation is common in poorly ventilated environments. Some evidence points toward brominated substances having more acute toxicity compared to their non-halogenated counterparts, calling for gloves, eye protection, and the use of fume extraction when weighing or dissolving the compound. Fire does not pose a high risk given its solid, low-volatility state, but decomposition can liberate hazardous hydrogen bromide fumes, which deserve careful mitigation. In terms of storage, a cool, dry place in tightly closed original containers helps avoid degradation, and the substance should always be kept out of direct sunlight.
The carbon skeleton in 10-Bromodecanoic Acid offers a unique balance between length and functionality. The molecule structures itself into semi-crystalline layers in the solid state, though shifts in temperature can prompt transformation into a liquid or even a supersaturated solution under the right solvent conditions. The molecular structure, featuring both a lipophilic alkyl tail and a hydrophilic acid group, allows for interesting amphiphilic behavior, sometimes giving rise to micelles or self-assembled structures at sufficient concentrations. This amphiphilicity extends its use into niche applications like phase-transfer catalysis and controlled-release matrices, especially in biochemical and environmental contexts where tailored release or partitioning is needed.
The adoption of 10-Bromodecanoic Acid must consider risk management alongside innovation. Worker safety often hinges on clear labeling, regular training on safe chemical practices, and the ready availability of safety shower and eyewash stations. In the event of accidental release, sweeping up solid material without creating dust and disposing in accordance with local hazardous waste regulations keeps incidents contained. A frequent point of uncertainty comes around waste treatment; incineration at high temperature with proper emission controls avoids the release of brominated organics into the environment. Wherever possible, process chemists and environmental managers focus on recapturing or recycling byproducts. In the context of sustainable chemistry, the push remains for greener halogenation methods and for evaluating lifecycle impacts before committing to large-scale applications.
