5-Bromovaleric Acid stands out as a carefully engineered building block in chemical synthesis, valued for its role in crafting pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, and research intermediates. Its formula, C5H9BrO2, and a molecular weight of roughly 181.03 g/mol give it a clear place in the toolbox of chemists who demand consistency and reliability. At room temperature, I find it typically adopts a crystalline or powder state, delivering off-white flakes or granules that dissolve well in many organic solvents like diethyl ether and ethanol. This quality helps technicians and scientists looking for a reliable raw material with little fuss in laboratory prep or manufacturing.
The structure of 5-Bromovaleric Acid features a straight five-carbon backbone topped with a bromine atom at the terminal position, which does plenty to shape its reactivity and its behavior in various reaction schemes. In handling lots of similar carboxylic acids, I’ve noticed how bromine makes compounds heavier and more responsive in certain organic transformations, often serving as a good leaving group. Its melting point lands near 40-44°C, depending on purity, with a boiling point going well over 200°C, usually upwards of 250°C at atmospheric pressure. The density settles around 1.5 g/cm³, which puts it well above many organic compounds. In my work, this always guided how I store and measure quantities, especially when pouring from a drum or bottle into glassware.
5-Bromovaleric Acid shows up in the lab and warehouse in a handful of forms. The most common are powder, crystalline flakes, and sometimes pearl-like granules. Each behaves slightly differently depending on how you need to handle or weigh small batches, but the main thing is its reliability in weighing and dissolving, which I’ve found to be almost fuss-free. Solid at cool temperatures, it moves toward a viscous liquid as temperatures climb, releasing a faint but sharp odor much like other haloalkanoic acids. This triggers memories for anyone who’s spent hours moving materials in a hood or a prep room, and reminds technicians of the need for good ventilation.
Touching on its chemical properties, 5-Bromovaleric Acid acts as both a mild acid and as a reactive intermediate. Painstaking titrations in the lab confirm a typical acid value in line with what’s expected from a single carboxylic acid group. Its bromo functionality can’t be overlooked. In practice, it’s a launching point for the synthesis of esters or as a step toward more elaborate molecules, especially when looking for controlled substitutions or reactivity in alkyl bromides. On safety, my own chemical handling background drives home the importance of gloves, splash goggles, and always working under a fume hood. The presence of the bromine atom, a halogen known for toxicity in higher concentrations, means users stay vigilant for both skin and respiratory contact. The GHS classifies this compound as both harmful and potentially corrosive, so even a routine transfer from bottle to beaker turns into a lesson in caution.
Anyone tasked with transporting or processing significant quantities has to plan for containment and spill response. Spills can release an acrid odor and, in wet conditions, low-level corrosiveness. Emergency washing stations and spill kits nearby become must-haves. Experience tells me never to compromise on proper waste disposal, since traces in drains or solid waste risk supporting further contamination. Safety Data Sheets for 5-Bromovaleric Acid underline dangers to aquatic environments and highlight the need for tightly sealed containers, accident-proof labeling, and routine stock checks. Teams should always build-in training for new handlers, especially since simple exposure incidents can lead to skin irritation or shortness of breath. Institutions that commit to regular staff briefings and audits generally avoid the major mishaps that come from complacency.
In broader industry uses, 5-Bromovaleric Acid steps up as a raw material for synthesis of more specialized compounds. For years, manufacturers have converted it into a set of derivatives via nucleophilic substitution—an approach that’s key to pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its presence in chemical catalogs traces to real-world demand for controlled reactivity; its structure makes it easier to direct downstream chemical modifications with fewer side products. My experience in supply chain logistics shows the importance of reliable packaging, especially since regulatory authorities track its movement closely. Trading internationally, 5-Bromovaleric Acid usually goes under HS Code 291590, which groups it with other “saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their derivatives," streamlining reporting and customs paperwork for both importers and exporters.
Addressing the hazards that come along with 5-Bromovaleric Acid starts with a tightly managed facility. From what I’ve seen, this means giving frontline workers easy access to chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and fast access to outdoor air in emergencies. Setting up a digital inventory helps avoid over-ordering and reduces time spent locating safe storage space. Regular training programs on chemical reactivity, accident response, and environmental compliance prove essential—schooling staff on how to decontaminate surfaces, how to handle accidental skin exposure, and the importance of air monitoring systems that sniff out volatile organics. Labs and manufacturing lines that use color-labeled shelving, tamper-proof containers, and redundant emergency plans fare better in the long term—protecting people and profit alike. Waste disposal becomes smarter with on-site neutralization protocols, double-sealed shipping drums, and tracking for hazardous material pickups.
Molecular formula: C5H9BrO2
Molecular weight: 181.03 g/mol
Melting point: Around 40-44°C
Boiling point: Over 250°C
Density: ~1.5 g/cm³
Physical forms: Flakes, powder, crystals, pearls, liquid (at elevated temperature)
Classification: Harmful, hazardous, GHS corrosive labeling
HS Code: 291590
Main uses: Pharmaceutical intermediate, specialty chemicals, raw material for organic synthesis
Proper PPE: Gloves, goggles, lab coat, fume hood required
Common packaging: Double-seal, HDPE bottles or drums, with tight lids
Waste management: Segregated hazardous waste disposal, thorough documentation, regular training
