22Dibromobiphenyl

2,2'-Dibromobiphenyl is an organic compound with the chemical formula C12H8Br2. It is a derivative of biphenyl, where two bromine atoms are substituted at the 2 and 2' positions of the biphenyl rings. This compound exists as a solid at room temperature. Its molecular structure consists of two phenyl rings directly linked by a carbon-carbon single bond.

The synthesis of 2,2'-dibromobiphenyl can be achieved through various bromination reactions of biphenyl, although direct bromination often leads to a mixture of isomers. More selective synthetic routes typically involve coupling reactions or diazotization followed by Sandmeyer reactions. Due to its structure, 2,2'-dibromobiphenyl can exhibit restricted rotation around the central biphenyl bond, a phenomenon known as atropisomerism, although the energy barrier for this rotation is generally not high enough to isolate stable enantiomers at room temperature.

2,2'-Dibromobiphenyl finds applications as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of more complex organic molecules. Its bromine substituents can be further functionalized through reactions such as nucleophilic substitution or cross-coupling reactions, making it a useful building block in organic chemistry research and potentially in the development of new materials or pharmaceuticals. Its properties and reactivity are influenced by the presence of the two bulky bromine atoms in close proximity on the biphenyl core.