Key Physical Properties
- Appearance: Slight yellow to brown color liquid
- Melting Point: -36.5 °C (-33.7 °F).
- Boiling Point: 137 °C (279 °F).
- Density: ~1.63 g/cm³ (denser than water).
- Flash Point: 51 °C (124 °F).
- Refractive Index: ~1.47 (nD15).
- Solubility: Poorly soluble in water, but melts in ethanol, acetone.
- Vapor Pressure: 1.1 kPa at 20 °C.
- Purity By GC : NLT 90 %
- Storage temperature: 2 to 8°C
Other Properties
- Chemical Formula: C₃H₅BrO.
- Molar Mass: 136.98 g/mol.
- Hazards: Violent lachrymator, irritant, toxic by inhalation, causes burns.
- Stability: Sensitive to light, air, and heat; decomposes.
- Solubility: Soluble in organic solvents but poorly soluble in water.
- Synonyms: Bromoacetone
Synonyms:
1-Bromoacetone, 1-Bromopropan-2-one, Acetonyl bromide, Monobromoacetone, Bromo-2-propanone, Bromopropanone, B-Stoff (often stabilized), Maronite (stabilized), Acetylmethyl bromide, Acetyl methyl bromide, Bromomethyl methyl ketone, 2-Propanone, 1-bromo-2-Propanone, bromo-alpha-Bromoacetone, 1-bromo-2-propanon, Acetoffyl bromide,Bromoacetone (CAS 598-31-2)
Key Uses:
- Organic Synthesis:Acts as a building block for complex molecules in research and industry, making new drugs, agrochemicals, and dyes.
- Pharmaceuticals:Used to synthesize drug precursors with antibacterial, antiviral, or antitumor properties.
- Chemical Research:Valuable in R&D due to its specific reactivity as an alpha-bromoketone.
Historical & Safety Context:
- Chemical Warfare:Was used in WWI as a lachrymator (tear gas) but is too toxic for modern riot control.
- Hazards:Highly irritating, causes severe burns, and is toxic by inhalation; it’s flammable and requires careful handling in well-ventilated areas with PPE.
Key Applications
- Pharmaceuticals: Serves as a crucial intermediate for synthesizing complex drug molecules.
- Agrochemicals: Used in making pest control formulations, notes
- Organic Synthesis: A versatile reagent for creating other organic compounds.
- Research & Development: Utilized in studying new chemical processes due to its unique alpha-bromoketone properties,
- Industrial Processes: Employed in manufacturing specific products where its reactivity is needed, under strict controls
Historical & Safety Context
- Chemical Warfare: Formerly used as a potent tear gas (lachrymator) and chemical weapon, causing severe irritation and burns.
- Toxicity: Extremely irritating to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract; highly toxic by inhalation and contact, requiring strict PPE and ventilation,
In Summary
Bromoacetone (598-31-2) is a powerful synthetic building block essential for various industries but is managed with extreme caution due to its extreme irritant properties.





