tribrominated

Tribrominated is an adjective used in chemistry to describe a molecule that contains three bromine atoms substituting hydrogen or other groups, or a compound in which three bromine atoms have been introduced into the structure. It is commonly applied to organic compounds, where three bromine atoms are present in the molecule, and to sections of polymers or natural products that carry three bromine substituents. The term is distinct from tribromide, which refers to the Br3− anion in inorganic chemistry.

In organic chemistry, tribromination denotes the introduction of three bromine atoms into a substrate. Examples include tribromomethane (bromoform, CHBr3) and tri-brominated aromatic compounds such as 1,2,3-tribromobenzene. Tribromination can occur through successive bromination steps using bromine (Br2) under radical or electrophilic conditions, often with control of equivalents, temperature, and catalysts to favor mono-, di-, or tri-brominated products. Overbromination can lead to tetra- or higher-brominated species, depending on reactivity and substrate structure.

Inorganic chemistry makes a related distinction with the tribromide ion, Br3−, which is formed in solution from bromine and bromide. The term tribrominated, however, is generally reserved for covalently bonded bromine substitutions in organic or organometallic frameworks.

Applications and occurrence: tribrominated compounds appear as intermediates in synthesis and, in some cases, as components of specialty materials. Simple tribrominated small molecules, such as bromoform, have historical or laboratory uses as solvents or reagents. Safety and environmental considerations are important, as brominating agents are reactive and some brominated organics can be persistent or toxic.