Chemical Properties
Allyl bromide is a flammable liquid with an intense, acrid, persistent smell. It is insoluble in water but in alcohol, aether, acetone, carbon tetrachloride, and chloroform. Allyl bromide is used to synthesize other allyl compounds, to synthesize dyestuff and spice, and as a curative in the medicine industry. Allyl bromide has a very high mobility in soil. It is also used as a soil fumigant and as a contact poison. Allyl bromide induces unscheduled DNA synthesis in HeLa cells.
Uses
Allyl bromide is used as an alkylating agent in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, polymers, adhesives, perfumes, biochemicals and other allylic compounds. It is used as precursor for the preparation of allyliczinc bromide by reacting it with zinc. It is also used in the preparation of allylethers like allyl decyl ether, allyl benzyl ether and allyl geranyl ether. It is also used in the preparation of R enantiomer of allyl phenyl carbinol (APC) such as 1-phenyl-3-butene, which is a valuable intermediate for drugs and agro-chemicals.
General Description
Allyl bromide appears as a clear colorless to light yellow liquid with an irritating unpleasant odor. Flash point 30 °F. Irritates eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Toxic by skin absorption. Denser than water and slightly soluble in water.
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Slightly soluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
Allyl bromide decomposes upon heating and exposure to light, forming HBr (a strong reducing agent). Reacts violently with oxidizing agents. Can react exothermically with reducing agents to release hydrogen gas. In the presence of various catalysts (such as acids) or initiators, may undergo exothermic addition polymerization reactions.
Hazard
Strong irritant to skin and eyes, flammable,
high fire risk. Upper respiratory tract irritant. Ques-
tionable carcinogen.
Health Hazard
Exposures to allyl bromide cause severe eye and skin burns, irritation to the eyes, skin,
and respiratory system. It is harmful when absorbed through the skin or inhaled in the
workplace. Laboratory rats exposed for a prolonged period of time developed symptoms
of poisoning, such as excessive salivation in a small number of animals, and severe gastric
irritation. Vapors of allyl bromide may cause dizziness or suffocation, headache, coughing,
and distressed breathing.
Safety Profile
Poison by ingestion and intraperitoneal routes. Mdly toxic by inhalation. Human mutation data reported. See also ALLYL CHLORIDE and ALLYL COMPOUNDS. Dangerous fire and explosion hazard when exposed to heat, flame, or oxidizers. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Br-. To fight fire, use alcohol foam, water spray or mist, CO2, dry chemical
Synthesis
Allyl alcohol was synthesized from glycerol and formic acid under inert atmosphere, hydrolysed with NaOH and fractionally distilled to yield the 73% allyl alcohol water azeotrope. This was then reacted with 48% hydrobromic acid and sulfuric acid and the allyl bromide distilled as per the conventional method. It was then redistilled with 3A molecular sieves drying agent to yield the final product which is stored over additional 3A molecular sieves.
storage
Allyl bromide should be stored separate from oxidizing materials and alkalis in a cool,
dry, well-ventilated location in tightly closed containers.
Shipping
UN1099 Allyl bromide, Hazard Class: 3; Labels: 3-Flammable liquid, 6.1-Poisonous materials
Purification Methods
Wash the bromide with NaHCO3 solution then distilled water, dry (CaCl2 or MgSO4), and fractionally distil. Protect it from strong light.
Incompatibilities
Vapor may form explosive mixture with air. Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides. Heat or light exposure may cause decomposition and corrosive vapors.
Waste Disposal
In accordance with 40CFR 165 recommendations for the disposal of pesticides and pesticide containers. Must be disposed properly by following package label directions or by contacting your local or federal environmental control agency, or by contacting your regional EPA office.
Precautions
Workers should wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), goggles
and a face shield, protective clothing for high concentrations of vapor, chemical protective
clothing that is specifi cally recommended by the manufacturer to avoid poisoning.
Workers should be careful as allyl bromide reacts with oxidizing materials and alkalis.
