Description
1-Bromo-3-chloropropane is a halogenated alkane compound containing one bromine atom and one chlorine atom in its structure. Due to the high electronegativity of halogens, the molecule of 1-Bromo-3-chloropropane is highly electrophilic and is easily attacked by electrophilic reagents such as nucleophilic reagents, Lewis acid, etc., which undergoes nucleophilic substitution reactions. The compound is relatively stable at room temperature, but is susceptible to elimination reactions at high temperatures or in the presence of strong acids or bases. In addition, prolonged exposure to air should be avoided because 1-Bromo-3-chloropropane molecules contain halogen atoms that are susceptible to reaction by oxygen and moisture in the air to produce products such as alcohols and aldehydes.
Chemical Properties
It is a clear and colorless liquid that is soluble in ethanol, ether, and chloroform but insoluble in water.
Uses
1-Bromo-3-chloropropane is used in the preparation active pharmaceutical ingredient intermediate such as gemfibrozil and reproterol. It is also involved in the preparation of cardiovascular diseases and analgesic drugs materials. It is utilized as a phase separation reagent for the isolation of ribonucleic acid (RNA) in high quality. It is considered as a replacement of chloroform in nucleic acid separations.
Definition
ChEBI: 1-Bromo-3-chloropropane (I-BCP or 109-70-6) is an organochlorine compound that can be used as a safer and equally effective alternative to chloroform. It serves as a phase-separation agent for the one-step method of RNA isolation from biological samples like animal and plant tissue. I-BCP can replace CHCl3 in RNA phase separations.
Preparation
The most common method for producing 1-Bromo-3-chloropropane is through the free-radical addition of anhydrous hydrogen bromide to allyl chloride. Alternatively, it can be prepared by reacting ethylene with methylene chlorobromide.
General Description
1-bromo-3-chloropropane appears as a colorless liquid. Insoluble in water and denser than water. May be toxic by inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption. Used to make pharmaceuticals and other chemicals.
Air & Water Reactions
Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
Halogenated aliphatic compounds, such as 1-Bromo-3-chloropropane, are moderately or very reactive. Reactivity generally decreases with increased degree of substitution of halogen for hydrogen atoms. Materials in this group are incompatible with strong oxidizing and reducing agents. Also, they are incompatible with many amines, nitrides, azo/diazo compounds, alkali metals, and epoxides.
Health Hazard
Inhalation of vapors or dust is extremely irritating. May cause burning of eyes and flow of tears. May cause coughing, difficult breathing and nausea. Brief exposure effects last only a few minutes. Exposure in an enclosed area may be very harmful. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.
Fire Hazard
Some of these materials may burn, but none ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated.
Safety Profile
Moderately toxic by
ingestion. When heated to decomposition it
emits toxic fumes of Cland Br-. See also
CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS,
ALIPHATIC; and BROMIDES.
Purification Methods
Wash it with conc H2SO4, water, 10% Na2CO3 solution, water again and then dry with CaCl2 and fractionally distil it just before use [Akagi et al. J Am Chem Soc 78 4034 1956]. [Beilstein 1 H 109, 1 IV 212.]
Toxics Screening Level
The initial threshold screening level (ITSL) for 1-Bromo-3-chloropropane is 0.1 μg/m3 based on an annual averaging time.
