6-Bromohexanoic Acid stands out as a versatile raw material within the field of organic synthesis and specialty chemical manufacturing. Recognized by its IUPAC name, this acid features a six-carbon chain carrying a bromine atom at the sixth position and a terminal carboxyl group. Its chemical formula, C6H11BrO2, leads to a molecular weight of about 195.06 g/mol. The structure consists of a straight hydrocarbon backbone, brominated near one end, creating a unique combination of reactivity and solubility. Many chemists see value in this compound for its function as a building block when creating pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and surfactant intermediates.
The backbone of 6-Bromohexanoic Acid gives it properties distinct from shorter halo acids or unbrominated carboxylic acids. The presence of bromine at the omega position enhances its nucleophilic susceptibility, which makes it valuable in halogen-exchange reactions and specific alkylation processes. This compound generally appears as a solid at room temperature, displaying either a flake-like or crystalline powder form, though it sometimes presents as pearls depending on its processing. Its density finds reference around 1.36 g/cm³, and it remains only slightly soluble in water, with greater solubility in organic solvents like ethanol and ether. Color typically ranges from white to off-white, with a mild odor similar to other low-molecular-weight organic acids.
Producers supply 6-Bromohexanoic Acid in several physical forms depending on end-use and logistical needs. Flakes and crystalline powders remain most common for ease of handling, though some specialty applications require its liquid or dissolved state. Packagers often opt for corrosion-resistant containers because the acid reacts with many metals and may degrade conventional polymer liners over time. Material handling experience confirms that exposure to air or moisture increases the risk of hydrolysis or unwanted side reactions, especially during humid shipping conditions or long-term storage.
A high-quality product usually features a purity level above 98%, with bromine and acid value tested by titration or chromatography. Trace water content, measured by Karl Fischer titration, stays below 0.5%. Manufacturers control particle size to meet user requirements for dissolution and mixing. Reliable suppliers include batch-specific COAs to prevent concerns about contamination or off-specification materials. Hands-on experience tells me not all batches behave the same, driving home the need for incoming QC testing in sensitive operations.
6-Bromohexanoic Acid falls under the Harmonized System (HS) Code 291590, which covers halogenated fatty acids and derivatives. This assignment plays a key role in global trade compliance, customs clearance, and record keeping. Regulatory identifiers such as CAS number (506-96-7) and EC number (208-054-5) help unify material specifications across jurisdictions, essential for companies exporting large batches to different continents. Consistent labeling reduces customs disputes, transport delays, or regulatory scrutiny.
Workers handling 6-Bromohexanoic Acid need protective gear due to its corrosive nature, particularly in powder or concentrated solution. The acid causes burns or irritations on contact with skin and mucous membranes. It releases hazardous fumes at elevated temperatures, and I’ve witnessed the sharp, choking smell spreading quickly in inadequately ventilated labs. Material Safety Data Sheets highlight risks including moderate toxicity if swallowed or inhaled and strong reactivity with alkalis and reducing agents. Emergency eyewash and spill kits belong close at hand wherever the material gets opened or processed. Spill response experience in an industrial setting tells me a prompt neutralization with sodium bicarbonate followed by proper waste collection minimizes accidents and regulatory infractions.
Large-scale chemical facilities use this acid as a starting point for the synthesis of plasticizers, pharmaceuticals, and surfactant intermediates. The unique bromine position lets chemists introduce functional groups at terminal carbon sites, which streamlines process steps for everything from pesticide precursors to imaging tags for diagnostics. Researchers value its reactivity profile and straightforward purification by crystallization or extraction. Time in an R&D environment confirms its flexibility—once, our team used 6-Bromohexanoic Acid to anchor new side chains onto bioactive molecules, speeding up iterative design cycles during early-stage drug discovery. The product’s performance hinges on its trace impurity content and consistency of physical form, as variable flake size or crystalline habit can introduce delays into pilot processes or instrument clogging downstream.
Raw materials carrying halogen groups have drawn criticism over environmental impact, especially during disposal or high-volume synthesis. 6-Bromohexanoic Acid falls into the category of substances where supplier transparency and customer stewardship make a difference. Circular chemistry models, increasing in adoption across the industry, call for close monitoring of brominated waste and tighter reaction yields. In one role managing process scaleup, the ability to recover and recycle reaction byproducts, and to use sealed reactor systems, reduced atmospheric emissions and waste fees, while meeting ambitious sustainability goals set by upstream partners.
