bromoalkane

Bromoalkanes, also called alkyl bromides, are organobromine compounds in which a bromine atom is bonded to a saturated carbon atom. The general formula is R-Br, where R is an alkyl group. They are a subset of haloalkanes and include primary, secondary, and tertiary members. The carbon–bromine bond is relatively weak and polarizable, making these compounds reactive in substitutions and eliminations.

Physical properties vary with chain length. They are typically colorless liquids or solids at room temperature, with boiling points increasing with molecular weight. Their polarity and leaving-group ability make C–Br bonds good sites for nucleophilic substitution and elimination reactions. They are commonly prepared by transforming existing alcohols or hydrocarbons into bromides, using methods such as hydrobromic acid or phosphorus tribromide, or by free-radical bromination of alkanes under light or heat.

Reactions: alkyl bromides undergo nucleophilic substitution (SN2 for primary and secondary; SN1 for tertiary) and elimination (E2 or E1). They can be converted into Grignard reagents (R-MgBr) and serve as precursors to nitriles, ethers, and alcohols. Hydrolysis or substitution with various nucleophiles (CN−, OR−, SH−) expands their utility.

Applications: bromoalkanes are widely used as intermediates in organic synthesis, including pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and materials chemistry. They enable carbon–carbon and carbon–heteroatom bond formation and can be converted into a range of other functional groups.

Safety: handling and disposal require care. Many alkyl bromides are toxic and irritants, and some release corrosive hydrogen bromide upon hydrolysis. Adequate ventilation, protective equipment, and proper waste management are essential.