1-Bromopropane

Description

1-Bromopropane is a simple bromoalkane frequently used as an industrial solvent and degreasing agent. It is prepared commercially via the free-radical anti-Markovnikov hydrobromination of propylene.
Since 2000, 1-bromopropane has increasingly replaced toxic, ozone-depleting chlorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons as dry-cleaning solvents. But using this brominated hydrocarbon presents many hazards (see hazard information table).
The US Environmental Protection Agency recently began to evaluate the health hazards of 1-bromopropane to workers. In its draft assessment, the agency reported that the solvent could pose “unreasonable risks to workers, occupational nonusers, consumers, and bystanders under certain conditions of use.” EPA is accepting comments on the draft until October 11.

The Uses of 1-Bromopropane

1-bromopropane was used primarily as a solvent for fats, waxes or resins and as an intermediate in the synthesis of other compounds including pharmaceuticals, insecticides, quaternary ammonium compounds, flavors and fragrances in generally well-controlled, closed processes. 1-Bromopropane is now used as a solvent cleaner in vapor and immersion cleaning and degreasing operations for optics, electronics and metals and as a solvent in industries that use spray-applied adhesives. Its use as a solvent substitute for ozone-depleting chlorofluorohydrocarbons (freons) or suspect carcinogens (e.g., trichloroethylene, methylene chloride) has prompted the dry cleaning industry to view it as a replacement for perchloroethylene (“perc”), especially in states that are proposing to ban the use of the latter chemical in dry cleaning.
1-Bromopropane is one of several chemicals included in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) that has been approved as a substitute for ozone-depleting solvents currently in use in certain applications. Specifically, 1-bromopropane has been approved as an acceptable substitute for CFC-113 (1,1,2-Trichloro1,2,2-trifluoroethane, Freon 113) and methyl chloroform (1,1,1-trichloroethane) in non-aerosol electronics, metal and precision cleaning.