Methyl 8-Bromooctanoate stands as an organic compound shaped by a straight eight-carbon chain anchored with a methyl ester at one end and a bromine atom attached to the other. Its appearance can shift depending on storage and conditions, ranging from off-white crystalline solid to colorless or pale liquid. This chemical acts as a vital ingredient in various syntheses, holding special importance for people working in fine chemicals, medicine, and agrochemical industries. With its molecular formula C9H17BrO2 and a molar mass close to 237.13 grams per mole, it brings versatility, the kind needed by chemists searching for a brominated intermediate or a building block for more complex molecules.
Methyl 8-Bromooctanoate presents itself with a faint odor, often grouped among other fatty acid esters in terms of tactile and olfactory qualities. Its melting point ranges between 26°C and 30°C, with a tendency to liquefy slightly above room temperature. The density hovers around 1.23 g/cm3 at 20°C, a trait owed to the presence of bromine within its chain. Solubility shows a clear pattern: it stays nearly insoluble in water but mixes with organic solvents like ether, chloroform, and alcohol, which see heavy use in lab settings. Typical samples arrive as solid flakes or powder; handling sometimes brings a soft, waxy feel to the palm, a reminder of the compound’s fatty-acid roots. Shippers and buyers commonly refer to the HS Code 2915.90, classifying it among carboxylic acid derivatives. Product specs include checks for purity above 98%, bromine content, and absence of contaminants like moisture and other halides.
At the heart of its reactivity sits the bromine atom at the terminal position, while the methyl ester marks the opposite end. That set-up makes Methyl 8-Bromooctanoate a reliable substrate for nucleophilic substitutions, especially when you want to swap the bromo group for other useful side chains. Chemists draw on its structure for chain extension, ring closure, and as a precursor in the construction of bioactive molecules. In routine lab life, this compound shows relative stability at room temperature; moisture or prolonged exposure to light risks slow degradation, including hydrolysis to 8-bromooctanoic acid and the liberation of methyl alcohol.
Most commercial batches ship out in solid form—flaky sheets, crystalline powder, or rounded pearls. Liquid versions might show up only in rare temperature or blending cases. Switching between these forms does not affect core chemical properties, but it does influence ease of dosing and mixing in the lab or production floor. For some, powdered or granular Methyl 8-Bromooctanoate flows better, helping avoid stubborn clumping, especially during bulk transfers. From the perspective of any chemical operator, correct weighing and humidity control make the deciding difference during storage and dispensing.
People handling Methyl 8-Bromooctanoate must take proper safety steps, just as with any halogenated organic. Its toxicity level sits in the moderate-to-low range, yet skin or eye contact can prompt mild irritation. Inhaling fine particles brings another irritation risk, so work with local exhaust or appropriate respirator. Direct ingestion stands as a hazard, leading to possible nausea or stomach upset. Staff ought to use gloves, goggles, and a dust mask whenever scooping, blending, or charging this chemical. Storage containers should be dry, tightly sealed, and kept away from strong bases, acids, or oxidizing materials. Safety Data Sheets recommend prompt spill cleanup with inert absorbent and comprehensive washing of any affected surfaces.
The use of Methyl 8-Bromooctanoate stretches well beyond its reputation as a laboratory curiosity. Manufacturers look to it for synthesizing more complex esters, acids, amides, and other derivatives, some aimed at the market for specialized lubricants or polymer modifiers. Bioscientists might incorporate this molecule in the development of potential antimicrobials or intermediates for active pharmaceutical ingredients. In the fine chemicals arena, the bromo group enables quick transformations such as Grignard reactions, Suzuki couplings, or nucleophilic substitutions, proving its versatility on the bench. As a result, demand persists both in modest research-grade bottles and full-scale drum deliveries intended for continuous production.
Every chemical carries a footprint, and Methyl 8-Bromooctanoate is no exception. Over the years, stricter customs checks and regulatory oversight on brominated organics have made the traceability of this product critical for compliant users. Digging into the HS Code 2915.90 reveals which customs paperwork to use and which record-keeping habits matter across international borders. People eyeing sustainability or safety improvements could call for greener substitution patterns in synthesis, or more responsible waste handling to mitigate the effect of halogenated byproducts. Experience in the chemical industry tells me that even the most useful intermediates benefit from tight stewardship—simple labeling, containment, and tracking often save bigger headaches if a spill or disposal incident ever threatens the workspace or the neighborhood.
