5-Bromopentyl Acetate stands as one of those chemicals that brings together both organic synthesis and potential industrial applications. This compound carries the molecular structure C7H13BrO2, making it an acetate ester derivative with a bromine atom attached to a five-carbon chain. Its chemical formula spells out seven carbons, an acetate group, one bromine, and thirteen hydrogens, and those numbers tell researchers much about its reactivity and compatibility in both routine and specialty lab environments. There’s a tangibility to 5-Bromopentyl Acetate in the lab—the slightly sweet but strong scent, the feel and color of the liquid, and the care required in its containment all offer reminders that chemicals aren’t just formulas, but physical presences demanding attention. The material often arrives as a clear to pale yellow liquid, sometimes with a faint hint of crystals after storage at low temperatures, but always with a notable density and viscosity that confirms its purity.
The density of 5-Bromopentyl Acetate typically falls in the range of about 1.25–1.30 g/cm³ at 20°C, higher than many common solvents due to the weight of the bromine atom and the acetate group’s compact build. This density plays a role both in how the chemical behaves when mixed and how it settles, whether in raw feedstock storage or custom syntheses. It holds a molecular weight of 209.08 g/mol. The boiling point sits near 235–240°C, so heating this material means working under strict thermal controls to prevent loss through evaporation or accidental decomposition. The latter risk ties directly to the stability of the brominated chain—open flames, high temperatures, and improperly closed containers can spell trouble. In its pure form, the compound presents as a viscous, nearly oily liquid rather than as flakes, powder, pearls, or crystals. Workers notice the subtleties in texture that give away its high chemical purity; impurities cloud up the material or change its color, often prompting repeat purification runs.
5-Bromopentyl Acetate features a backbone of five carbon atoms with a bromine atom on one end and an acetoxy group on the other. The outlook of the compound makes it a practical intermediate for chemical synthesis—especially for those working with pharmaceuticals or agrochemical products. Its reactive bromine atom allows for nucleophilic substitution reactions, letting chemists attach a variety of functional groups and build more complex molecules from this relatively simple starting point. The acetate group offers stability but also can be replaced or broken under the right chemical conditions, so the structure supports modification without major decomposition risks. For process engineers, this means flexibility in custom syntheses, particularly where controlled substitution matters for downstream product purity or performance. This utility shows up in both research labs and scaled-up industrial plants, though scale brings extra scrutiny to every property from density to reactivity.
Chemically, 5-Bromopentyl Acetate lines up with HS Code 291539 for customs and regulatory reporting, classifying under organic acetates, a segment regularly moving through international trade for chemical raw materials. Sample specs often outline purity above 98%, water content below 0.5%, and color less than 20 Hazen—details that track with both process performance and safety needs. Its most common packaging form runs from glass or high-density polyethylene bottles to drums of various sizes, always sealed tight and clearly labeled with hazard information. Unlike more granular materials, this acetate rarely appears as a powder, flakes, or in pearls; its liquid state makes dispensing and sampling straightforward for experienced handlers, though pipetting and measured pouring both require eye and glove protection. Stability under normal storage conditions holds well, but exposure to moisture, acid, or prolonged sunlight starts to degrade the acetate group. As a liquid, it blends smoothly into most non-polar solvents, though direct aqueous compatibility remains limited—hydrolysis will break the acetate ester over time, creating acetic acid and bromopentanol.
5-Bromopentyl Acetate demands strict adherence to lab safety practice. Classified as a hazardous material, it brings moderate to serious health risks if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through skin. Short-term contact causes skin and eye irritation, and high concentration vapor may produce dizziness or headaches. Its brominated link makes it likely to exhibit organ system toxicity if absorbed in significant amounts; personal experience reminds any chemist to avoid splashes, spills, or careless decanting. Safety data sheets detail the need for gloves of nitrile or neoprene, protective eyewear, and chemical-resistant aprons. Ventilated hoods handle vapor risk during larger scale operations or long-term workups, with rigorous air monitoring policy to prevent build-up. Storage in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area—preferably away from strong bases and oxidizers—prevents both accidental reactions and container degradation. In the case of spills, absorbents such as vermiculite or dry sand mop up the liquid, and contaminated clothing heads straight for sealed bags and dedicated disposal bins.
The place of 5-Bromopentyl Acetate in industry rests on its status as a raw material—an intermediate that helps build more specialized compounds rather than ending up in consumer products itself. That doesn’t lessen the responsibility for safe, ethical sourcing and disposal. Every misuse, every improper discharge, brings not just regulatory blowback but risk to worker safety and community health. Rigorous adherence to local and global chemical handling standards—such as REACH in Europe, OSHA and EPA guidelines in the United States—shows commitment to both safety and quality, and keeps the chemical’s advantages accessible to researchers and producers without adding new hazards. Upstream, responsible sourcing keeps contaminants low; downstream, robust waste collection and controlled incineration defend the environment. Businesses using 5-Bromopentyl Acetate owe it to both their teams and the broader population to keep risk management front and center, not just on paper, but in every handling step.
