2-Bromopentane

Chemical properties

2-bromopentane is a colorless to yellow-colored liquid with a strong odor. It is an optically active compound because it contains an asymmetric carbon (chiral carbon). An asymmetric carbon is carbon atom that is attached to four different types of atoms or groups of atoms. In 2-Bromopentance, the central carbon atom is attached to four different types of atoms (CH2, CH3, Br, H), hence it is an optically active compound.

The Uses of 2-Bromopentane

Used as a chemical intermediate.

General Description

A colorless to yellow-colored liquid with a strong odor. Flash point 90°F. Slightly denser than water and insoluble in water. Vapors heavier than air. May irritate skin and eyes. In high concentrations the vapors may be narcotic.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

2-Bromopentane is incompatible with strong oxidizing and reducing agents. Also incompatible with many amines, nitrides, azo/diazo compounds, alkali metals, and epoxides.

Health Hazard

Irritating to eyes, nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract. Causes skin irritation.

Safety Profile

Poison by intraperitoneal route. Mildly toxic by inhalation. A local irritant and narcotic in high concentration. Ingestion can cause liver damage. A dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Br-. See also BROMIDES and CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS, ALIPHATIC.

Purification Methods

Dry it over K2CO3 and distil it through a short Vigreux column (p 11). [IR: Pines et al. J Am Chem Soc 74 4063 1952, Brown & Wheeler J Am Chem Soc 78 2199 1956, Beilstein 1 IV 312.]