Ethyl 5-Bromovalerate stands out as an organic brominated ester, presenting itself in the chemical industry as a molecular building block. Chemists recognize it by its formula C7H13BrO2. With a molecular weight of 209.08 g/mol, this chemical brings a single bromine atom into a typical ester backbone. Its HS Code, used for customs and trade classification, most commonly falls under 2915.90, placing it in the family of carboxylic acid derivatives. It appears in both laboratory settings and industry-scale syntheses, serving as a starting material for further transformations.
Observing Ethyl 5-Bromovalerate in person, you discover it most often as a colorless to pale yellow liquid, although it can crystallize under lower temperatures. Its density measures close to 1.32 g/cm3, which surpasses water, so it forms a separate layer when added to unpolar solutions. In terms of boiling or melting, it generally boils around 238–241°C at atmospheric pressure and can reach a solid state around -42°C. Its refractive index sits near 1.455, providing a reliable identifier to those who measure pure samples. In most supply chains, it arrives in airtight containers—sometimes glass for small-scale use, larger drums for manufacturing. Although less common, powder or crystal forms may show up from distinct production routes or at low storage temperatures. It never presents as flakes or pearls, differentiating it from other raw materials, and its appearance signals whether you’ve got the right grade for downstream chemistry.
Chemically, its structure features a five-carbon chain, with a bromine atom attached at the terminal carbon. Attached to the carboxyl group, the ethyl ester maintains lipophilicity—making it soluble in organic solvents like ether, dichloromethane, and alcohols, but nearly insoluble in water. This behavior matters. In synthesis, it’s often targeted because one can selectively perform nucleophilic substitution or reduction at the bromine site, leading to new molecules. For researchers and industrial chemists, this flexibility opens doors in pharmaceutical intermediate production, agrochemical synthesis, and specialty chemical development.
I’ve seen how practical this molecule becomes when used in the stepwise building of more complex structures. In real-world workflows, Ethyl 5-Bromovalerate takes on the role of key raw material for preparing amino acids, esters, or other brominated derivatives. Laboratories prize its reliability for introducing carbon chains with precise substitution. Packing it in the right form—liquid or solid—affects reaction efficiency, safety, and ease of handling. Some chemical plants rely on its stability under normal storage conditions, knowing that a properly sealed container at ambient temperatures won’t degrade, letting them draw from stock on demand for scheduled reactions.
Despite its utility, this compound doesn’t pass through chemical processes lightly. Ethyl 5-Bromovalerate can pose health risks on skin contact or inhalation. Similar to other brominated organics, toxicological profiles warn about respiratory irritation, skin defatting, and potential nervous system effects on prolonged exposure. Wearing gloves, working beneath a well-functioning fume hood, and following local safe waste protocols become critical with every transfer. In the event of a spill or accidental exposure, rapid cleanup with absorbent materials and proper ventilation reduces risk to personnel. For wastewater and disposal, compliance with national and international chemical waste guidelines protects environmental health, keeping brominated residues out of water and soil cycles.
Every industry relying on this substance faces its own set of challenges. Maintaining purity becomes a top concern, as trace acids or water may drive unwanted side reactions. Supply chain managers often trust certificates of analysis listing water content, assay, and contaminant levels. I’ve heard from colleagues in pharmaceutical research that a difference of half a percent in purity or a stray breakdown product could cause batch failure or compliance problems with regulatory agencies. Keeping analytical standards high and testing regularly ensures the material performs as expected where it counts. Companies building their own inventory routines adopt methods like gas chromatography or titration to check incoming raw materials, aiming to meet their own production targets without risking costly recalls.
Makers and users of Ethyl 5-Bromovalerate keep innovating to reduce hazards and improve sustainability. Some chemical firms move toward greener synthesis, using catalytic bromination methods to lower waste. Others work on recycling solvent systems or minimizing emissions during material transfer. Training staff on the newest safety guidelines—issued by OSHA, the European Chemicals Agency, or similar regulators—improves accident prevention. From what I’ve observed, clear labeling, airtight storage, and climate controls in the warehouse go a long way toward keeping everyone safe. Sharing best practices between labs, manufacturers, and downstream users raises standards and attention to risks. Even as chemistry grows more advanced, the people handling these raw materials continue searching for ways to balance productivity with protection for both workers and the environment.
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Ethyl 5-Bromovalerate |
| Molecular Formula | C7H13BrO2 |
| Molecular Weight | 209.08 g/mol |
| HS Code | 2915.90 |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow liquid or crystalline solid |
| Density | ~1.32 g/cm3 |
| Boiling Point | 238–241°C |
| Melting Point | -42°C |
| Solubility | Soluble in organic solvents, very limited in water |
| Physical Forms | Liquid, crystalline solid under cold storage |
| Hazard Classification | Harmful; irritant to skin, eyes, respiratory system |
