Metabromotoluene

Metabromotoluene, also known as 3-bromotoluene or m-bromotoluene, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C7H7Br. It is a derivative of toluene where a bromine atom is substituted at the meta position of the benzene ring. It is a colorless liquid at room temperature with a characteristic aromatic odor. Its physical properties include a boiling point of approximately 183-184 °C and a melting point of around -39 °C. It is generally insoluble in water but soluble in most organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and benzene.

Metabromotoluene can be synthesized through various methods, including the bromination of toluene under specific conditions that favor meta substitution. It is often used as an intermediate in the synthesis of other organic compounds, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and dyes. The bromine atom can be further reacted through nucleophilic substitution or metal-catalyzed coupling reactions to introduce other functional groups onto the toluene backbone. Like many organobromine compounds, it should be handled with care, as it can be an irritant and its long-term health and environmental effects are subjects of ongoing study.