2bromo2methylpropane

2-bromo-2-methylpropane, also known as tert-butyl bromide, is a tertiary alkyl halide with the chemical formula (CH3)3CBr. It is a colorless liquid at room temperature with a distinct odor. The compound is a derivative of propane where a bromine atom is attached to the central carbon atom, which is also bonded to three methyl groups.

Tert-butyl bromide is primarily used as a reagent in organic synthesis. Its tertiary structure makes it prone to elimination reactions to form alkenes, particularly when treated with strong bases. It can also undergo nucleophilic substitution reactions, although these are generally slower compared to primary or secondary alkyl halides due to steric hindrance. The S_N1 mechanism is favored for nucleophilic substitution reactions involving tert-butyl bromide because the tertiary carbocation intermediate formed is relatively stable.

The compound is insoluble in water but miscible with many organic solvents such as ethanol and diethyl ether. It can be synthesized through the reaction of tert-butyl alcohol with hydrobromic acid. Due to its reactivity, it is typically stored in well-sealed containers away from moisture and heat. Safety precautions should be observed when handling 2-bromo-2-methylpropane as it can be irritating to the skin and eyes.