1,2-Dibromo-4,5-dimethylbenzene can be used in the synthesis of alkylamino zinc(II)phthalocyanines, with potential application as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy. It can also be used in the synthesis of 1,2-dibromo-4,5-bis(dibromomethyl)benzene via reaction with azobisisobutyronitrile.
1,2-Dibromo-4,5-dimethylbenzene is used as a reagent in the synthesis of Thalidomide (T338850); an inhibitor of FGF-induced angiogenesis and replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1. Also a teratogenic sedative and immunomodulatory agent used primarily in combination with dexamethasone to treat multiple myeloma.
1,2-Dibromo-4,5-dimethylbenzene can be synthesized via bromination of o-xylene.
