5-Bromovaleryl chloride is a synthetic intermediate, widely recognized in various chemical industries as a raw material. This compound features distinct halogen and acyl chloride groups, which set it apart in organic synthesis. Its systematic molecular formula is C5H8BrClO, and its molecular weight stands at about 199.48 g/mol. Clear, technical descriptors matter for tracking, so its harmonized system (HS) code aligns with chemicals in the acyl chloride family used in large-scale processes.
This material typically presents as a colorless to slightly yellow liquid, with a distinct, pungent odor, consistent with many acyl chlorides. It remains a liquid at room temperature, a property noticeable during handling and storage. Its density averages about 1.44 g/cm³, a measurement that influences everything from containment methods to transport protocols. The bromine atom at the 5-position on the valeric acid chain gives it reactivity distinct from non-halogenated analogs. It does not usually crystallize at standard temperatures; instead, manufacturers and labs encounter it as a clear liquid, avoiding the need for processing it as powder, flakes, pearls, or solid forms. Melting and boiling point data reveal strong volatility, with an approximate boiling range around 240–243°C (at atmospheric pressure).
Chemists focus on purity, acid chloride content, and specific contaminants when evaluating 5-Bromovaleryl chloride. Analytical data show a product purity of 98% or higher on standard technical specification sheets. The main structure contains a five-carbon chain backbone, holding a bromine at one end and a reactive chlorine at the other. This dual functionalization opens the door for its role as a versatile intermediate. The clear reactivity of the acid chloride group makes it critical for building more advanced molecules through processes such as nucleophilic acyl substitution.
Safety is a key priority each time someone works with 5-Bromovaleryl chloride. Contact with skin, eyes, or inhalation of its vapor can lead to acute irritation, burns, or respiratory distress. This agent reacts with moisture in the air to release hydrogen chloride, making protective gear and tight-sealing storage essential. As a hazardous and harmful chemical, it falls under strict local and international transport restrictions, typically regulated as a dangerous good. Personnel need training—not just on appropriate chemical gloves or splash goggles, but on immediate response protocols for leaks or spills. This chemical’s volatility and reactivity also preclude mixing or casual disposal; neutralization or containment according to hazardous waste guidelines is necessary.
Manufacturers draw on 5-Bromovaleryl chloride as a raw material for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and advanced intermediates for research. The presence of bromine and acid chloride groups gives it a unique edge for stepwise synthesis, especially in high-value materials. In my lab experience, handling acid chlorides calls for real discipline. One careless move, and you face not only ruined product but also hazardous exposure. Researchers often rely on this compound for synthesis at the molecular scale, because its specific reactivity profile opens routes closed to less reactive or less selective agents.
The push for safer workplaces and greener processes is not lost on those of us dealing with 5-Bromovaleryl chloride. Improved containment, targeted ventilation, and tighter personal protection cut the risk. At the same time, close adherence to local and global regulations on storage, labeling, and waste ensures worker safety and environmental protection. Long-term, progress may come from substitution strategies, where safer reagents or more benign raw materials could step in. For now, this compound sits in a cluster of essential specialty chemicals that require vigilance, constant respect for hazards, and ongoing review of best handling practices.
