Methyl 10-Bromodecanoate falls under organic bromine compounds, carrying the molecular formula C11H21BrO2 and a molar mass of 265.19 g/mol. This specialty chemical goes by the HS Code 2915900090 for international transport and customs documentation. Structurally, the molecule showcases a decanoate backbone, meaning a ten-carbon chain ester group capped with a methyl at one end and a single bromine at the tenth carbon. The visual and tactile nature of this compound often surprises people expecting something more hazardous looking—solid at room temperature, it usually forms white to off-white flakes or fine, flowable powder, though pearls can show up in larger synthesis batches. The density stands at about 1.294 g/cm³, giving it a heft you can actually feel when weighed out in the lab.
The reach of this raw material stretches far beyond academic curiosity. Manufacturers find value in methyl 10-bromodecanoate as a foundational building block for synthesizing specialty surfactants, lubricants, and select pharmaceutical intermediates. The single bromine atom, attached strategically on a medium-length hydrocarbon chain, allows for selective transformation during organic synthesis. When I worked in chemical manufacturing, this molecule's brominated segment made it indispensable while introducing polar reactivity points in otherwise nonpolar matrices. Its utility often emerges in research labs aiming to build further on the carbon backbone, or within factories producing additives for plastics and fuels.
Experienced chemists will notice this molecule’s balance between hydrocarbon chain hydrophobicity and functional group reactivity. The ester group (COOCH3) contributes to mild polarity—enough to make it manageable in both water-insoluble and slightly polar solvents. The colorless-to-white appearance signals a good level of purity; strong odors, yellowing, or tackiness indicate possible decomposition or contamination. Measured melting points land near 32–34°C, which grants flexibility for storage and transport, as it avoids liquefaction in mild climates. In powder or flake form, it flows well, reducing caking issues inside storage drums, and as a solid, it is more stable for long-term handling than comparable liquid raw materials. This detail matters. Labs and factories count on consistency of material state to keep their production lines seamless.
The decanoic chain gives this molecule substantial length, while the bromine at position ten introduces a site for nucleophilic substitution. This invites transformation through reactions like Grignard additions or amine substitutions, which are routine in materials science and pharmaceuticals. The backbone's flexibility and chemical leverage points make methyl 10-bromodecanoate an excellent launching pad for more complex molecules. I remember a scale-up project where switching from a single bromine to a dibromo derivative changed an entire product line’s environmental clearance profile. Details at this level affect not just chemistry, but the economics and environmental footprint of end-use products.
This compound’s numeric details matter for storage, labelling, and processing. The CAS number 41318-47-6 ensures precise cataloguing across inventories and safety data sheets. Solubility falls especially low in water, so spills rarely carry high risk for widespread contamination, but methyl 10-bromodecanoate dissolves well in organic solvents like dichloromethane, toluene, and chloroform. Bulk material flows as flakes and powder, but under high purity, some specialty applications require crystals—shiny and slightly pearlescent under bright lights. The density, measured near 1.3 g/cm³, helps logistics staff estimate total container weight for drums and barrels.
Any methylated bromide raises safety concerns, and methyl 10-bromodecanoate stands as no exception. While it does not fume or burn at normal temperatures, inhalation of fine powder or accidental injection under the skin both spark significant health risks. Most safety data sheet listings highlight it as harmful if swallowed or inhaled, and gloves, goggles, and proper fume hoods remain mandatory. I have seen poor storage lead to local irritation outbreaks and minor fires where static discharge met dust. As with many synthetic organics, safe handling boils down to airtight packaging, proper labeling, and good workplace protocols, not just regulatory box-ticking.
Feedstocks for this molecule generally originate from fatty acids—mainly decanoic acid generated from the hydrolysis of coconut oil or palm kernel oil—paired with methylation agents and bromine. Sourcing these sustainably means keeping an eye on both environmental and human rights concerns around large-scale agriculture. Chemical producers, over time, have begun publishing third-party sustainability audits for key feedstocks, and downstream buyers increasingly prefer these disclosures. Keeping methyl 10-bromodecanoate in a sustainable supply chain can boost customer trust while allowing environmental impact reductions across the life cycle of the end products.
