23Dibromopentane

2,3-Dibromopentane is an organic chemical compound with the molecular formula C5H10Br2. It is a halogenated alkane, specifically a vicinal dibromide, meaning the two bromine atoms are attached to adjacent carbon atoms in the pentane chain. There are two stereoisomers of 2,3-dibromopentane: (2R,3R)-2,3-dibromopentane and (2S,3S)-2,3-dibromopentane, which are enantiomers, and the meso compound (2R,3S)-2,3-dibromopentane. These stereoisomers can be separated through various chemical techniques.

The synthesis of 2,3-dibromopentane typically involves the bromination of pent-2-ene. This reaction proceeds via an electrophilic addition mechanism where bromine adds across the double bond. The resulting product can be a mixture of stereoisomers depending on the reaction conditions. 2,3-Dibromopentane is a colorless liquid under standard conditions. It is generally insoluble in water but soluble in many organic solvents. Its reactivity is characteristic of alkyl halides, undergoing reactions such as dehydrohalogenation to form alkenes or nucleophilic substitution reactions. Due to the presence of bromine atoms, it can be used as a precursor in organic synthesis for the introduction of various functional groups or for the construction of more complex molecules. Its specific applications are primarily within research and development laboratories.