Ethyl 4-Bromobutyrate plays a clear role in organic and pharmaceutical chemical synthesis. This compound stands out as a useful building block, often showing up as a colorless to pale-yellow liquid. The material’s chemical formula, C6H11BrO2, points to six carbon atoms, eleven hydrogen atoms, a single bromine, and two oxygens. Its structure reflects a straight butyrate backbone, with an ethyl group attached to one end and a bromine atom on the fourth carbon. Simple as it sounds, this arrangement opens up creative possibilities for tweaking and tailoring molecules in laboratories and industrial settings.
Under a lens, the structure shows clear and accessible functional sites: an ester group from the butyrate and a reactive bromine. The molecular weight sits close to 195.06 g/mol. This makes it neither too light nor too cumbersome for handling or further transformations in synthesis. The density clocks in around 1.39 g/cm³ at room temperature. With a boiling point in the range of 90-92°C at 15 mmHg and a melting point below common room conditions, it arrives in a clear liquid form under normal circumstances. Chemists reach for this substance because the bromine atom brings reactivity for substitution reactions, supporting efforts in creating pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals.
Most batches look like a colorless or faintly yellowish liquid. In storage, it does not crystallize or turn solid unless temperatures drop well below those usually seen in warehouses or labs. Ethyl 4-Bromobutyrate does not present as flakes, powder, granules, or pearls—its liquid form dominates. This gives it the ability to blend smoothly into various reaction setups without fuss. It dissolves well in organic solvents, but poorly in water, so mixing calls for solvents like dichloromethane or ethyl acetate. Some past work has pointed out that this compound gives a strong halogen odor, and even a small spill can quickly make itself known in the lab.
Hazard statements attach themselves to Ethyl 4-Bromobutyrate for a reason. This compound irritates eyes, skin, and respiratory systems, so anyone handling it needs goggles, gloves, and well-ventilated spaces. Direct contact often burns or reddens skin, and inhalation may bring on coughing or sneezing. Storage calls for tightly sealed containers, away from acids, strong bases, or oxidizing agents. Even small-scale spills demand clean-up using absorbent, non-combustible materials, all while wearing protective equipment. Various official sources, including the European Chemicals Agency and the US National Library of Medicine, list it as hazardous—so users should read the MSDS sheet before opening any bottle.
Shippers and traders label Ethyl 4-Bromobutyrate as a raw material with the HS Code 2915900090. Customs offices worldwide identify and monitor shipments using this code, so importers must check with local regulations to see which documents go along with it. Since this compound often moves in kilogram or drum-scale lots, border authorities inspect for correct labeling, classification, and paperwork ensuring worker safety. Some regions may flag it for special storage or transport requirements, especially when listed along with other hazardous raw substances.
The role of Ethyl 4-Bromobutyrate cuts across the chemistry and manufacturing spectrum. In medicinal chemistry, researchers rely on it as a synthetic intermediate. Its reactivity allows the insertion of complex side chains or the creation of aromatic and non-aromatic structures found within potential drug compounds. Pesticide and herbicide manufacturers see similar value; the bromine atom becomes a point to attach further groups that block invasive weeds or insects. Even in specialty chemicals, like fragrances and flavors, manufacturers build larger molecules via simple starting blocks just like this one. In my own tinkering with organic transformations, this compound’s versatility has proven invaluable, serving both as an anchor and as a launchpad in multi-step syntheses. Bartenders and cooks never touch it, but chemists will keep it on the shelf for countless transformations and innovations.
Experience has made clear that safe storage remains key when keeping Ethyl 4-Bromobutyrate. Assigning a ventilated space away from incompatible materials helps ensure both safety and quality retention. Working directly beneath a fume hood keeps airborne exposure in check, and waste solutions demand collection in labeled, chemically resistant containers. In my own previous workspaces, keeping spill kits and clear labeling on hand reduced both incident risk and confusion during inventory or regulatory reviews. Even seasoned chemists sometimes overlook how rapidly vapors build up or how quickly a flask can break—so mandatory refresher training on handling and hazards pays off, especially for teams managing this class of raw materials.
Ethyl 4-Bromobutyrate shows how a straightforward chemical, built from common elements, can become an irreplaceable building block for progress. From its role in pharmaceutical discovery to applications across agriculture and industry, it rewards those who respect its hazards, recognize its potential, and prioritize best practices for health, safety, and regulatory compliance. The right protocols, combined with practical knowledge and respect for the material’s power, keep production safe and innovation moving forward.
