2-(2-Bromoethyl)-1,3-dioxane presents itself as an organic chemical well established in specialty synthesis and intermediate applications. Its structure stems from a six-membered dioxane ring, bearing a 2-bromoethyl side chain, a setup that gives it both reactivity and utility across a range of chemical industries. This unique molecular arrangement—C6H11BrO2—shapes everything from the way the compound behaves to its broader use as a building block in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and fine chemical production lines.
At the atomic level, this compound brings together a 1,3-dioxane ring, recognized for its stability, and attaches a bromoethyl group at the two position. Such arrangement—C6H11BrO2, with a molecular mass of about 195.05 g/mol—offers a blend of polarity and non-polar backbone, making it a fit for reactions needing both solubility in organic media and potential ionic manipulation. The bromine atom sets the stage for nucleophilic substitution reactions, which matters a lot for process chemists making custom molecules.
From an experiential standpoint, working with 2-(2-Bromoethyl)-1,3-dioxane often means handling a crystalline solid or a powder, sometimes forming flakes or even pearls depending on synthesis and purification. Color ranges from white to a faint off-white, short of yellow, with a tendency toward clumps if exposed to moisture, since some glycol derivatives attract water. The density typically lands around 1.33 g/cm3, reflecting the presence of the bromine atom without getting excessively heavy for most lab work. This property affects how the material settles in containers and how it mixes or dissolves with various solvents.
The melting point usually appears between 30°C and 40°C, so the material can soften to a thick liquid at room temperature if storage gets warm, making proper cooled storage critical. Boiling takes place around 210-220°C, which means it does not easily volatilize or give significant vapor at bench conditions, increasing stability during weighing and mixing. The solubility in solvents stays greatest with common organics like ethanol, acetone, and ether, while water solubility runs low, lining up with most dioxane-based intermediates and keeping handling safe from sudden dissolving accidents.
Brominated organic chemicals often raise immediate questions about health risks, and 2-(2-Bromoethyl)-1,3-dioxane is no exception. Contact can irritate skin, and inhalation of dust or vapor—though not likely at room temperature unless mishandled—may deliver harmful effects over time. Anyone using this material in synthesis work needs gloves, protective eyewear, and constant ventilation. As a strong alkylating agent, this chemical can alkylate DNA and other biomolecules, which underpins both its usefulness and its risk. In my own lab experience, minimizing exposure and using closed systems help keep accidental harm to a minimum. Waste and contaminated gear should head straight for specialized chemical disposal, not the regular bin, since brominated waste generates persistent organic pollutants.
The 2-bromoethyl side chain sets this compound apart for applications where chemists want to introduce ethyl groups or set up leaving groups for further modification. The compound undergoes substitution reactions, forming new carbon-nitrogen, carbon-oxygen, or carbon-sulfur bonds, which establishes its status as a valued raw material for synthesizing pharmaceutical intermediates and certain specialty solvent systems. You find it used in the design of targeted molecules for advanced chemistry projects, sometimes contributing to mesoscale or production processes on pilot plants.
Commercially available 2-(2-Bromoethyl)-1,3-dioxane carries purity specs above 98% for most demanding synthetic pathways. Residual moisture and byproduct content remain tightly regulated, since impurities can sabotage chemical reactions downstream. Standard batches ship in airtight bottles or drums, with inert gas overlays when needed, aiming to maintain consistency across global supply chains. For logistics and customs, the typical HS Code lands around 2932.99, filed under other heterocyclic compounds, so that importers and shippers track this intermediate at all border crossings as per local hazardous materials rules.
Across labs and factory settings, this compound comes in multiple forms: from loose crystalline powder, which pours but often clumps, to compact flakes and even larger pellets or pearls for ease of measurement. Liquid solutions on a commercial scale rarely ship unless freshly made, as the compound holds up best in solid state for shelf stability. The right container selection—glass lined or Teflon-coated for reactivity resistance, HDPE for low-temperature moves—makes the difference in long-term safety. Anyone who ever cleaned a bench after a small spill knows brominated compounds can linger, so double checks on closures and spill containment reduce risk. For scale-up, dedicated storage in cool, dry, ventilated spaces, away from open flames and strong bases, ensures the raw material remains safe to use.
Though this molecule rarely makes headlines on its own, it underpins many inventive synthetic schemes. Chemists who craft new drugs or crop-protection agents see it as a puzzle piece, able to link core structures or act as a site for further functionalization. That said, handling dangerous organics puts responsibility squarely on producers and users alike—training, safety data, and environmental controls decide whether this raw material advances discovery or becomes a hazard. From direct experience, robust risk assessment and strict laboratory practice, along with responsible procurement, raise the standard for everyone working with such specialty chemicals.
Industry and academic researchers who rely on 2-(2-Bromoethyl)-1,3-dioxane often face environmental pushback against brominated waste. Technical solutions keep evolving, and alternatives include searching for less harmful haloalkyl chains when possible, or using milder solvents and reaction conditions. Labs striving for green chemistry can cut down on spills with controlled dispensing, proper labeling, and secondary containment trays at every workstation. Beyond the bench, manufacturers can invest in improved waste remediation—neutralization, incineration only in approved setups, and monitoring for trace residues—instead of relying solely on landfill or basic treatment. These steps remain grounded in real-world results: lower risk, less harm, and compliance with both safety law and public health expectations.
2-(2-Bromoethyl)-1,3-dioxane stands as a solid or powder, sometimes flaked or pearled, with a density around 1.33 g/cm3 and a melting point above 30°C. The molecular formula, C6H11BrO2, drives its role as a reactive raw material in pharmaceutical, agricultural, and specialty chemical lines, with strong nucleophilic substitution reactivity. Handling needs strict attention due to skin, eye, and environmental risks. Tracking purity, batch quality, and using proper containers limit hazards and maintain product performance along the supply chain. Industry’s next push—finding safer alternatives, better waste controls, and tighter in-lab handling protocols—shapes both the chemical’s role in innovation and the health of those using it.
