Substance profile
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane is a yellowish, heavy liquid with an odor of camphor and iodoform.
01 · Identification
What 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane is
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane is a yellowish, heavy liquid with an odor of camphor and iodoform. Its molecular formula is C2H2Br4 and its molecular weight is 345.65 g/mol. It boils at 244 °C, melts at 0 °C, is soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as reactive agents - 1st degree.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H330 | Fatal if inhaled. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
| H412 | Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P260, P264, P271, P273, P280, P304, P305, P310, P313, P337, P338, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 243.89 °C (471 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO |
| 243.5 °C (470.3 °F) | ICSC | ||
| 245.56 °C (474 °F) | decomposes | NIOSH | |
| Melting point | 0 °C (32 °F) | HSDB | |
| -1.11 °C (30 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 2.97 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 2.9656 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Soluble in acetone | HSDB | |
| Miscible in ethanol, ethyl ether, chloroform, aniline, acetic acid; soluble in benzene; slightly soluble in carbon tetrachloride. | HSDB | ||
| In water, 678 mg/l @ 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.02 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 0.1 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 0.02 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | -18 °C (-0.4 °F) | closed cup | HSDB |
| 335 °C (635 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 335 °C (635 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Noncombustible Liquid | NIOSH | |
| Vapor density | 11.9 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | ... Will attack some forms of plastics, rubber, and coatings. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane
Storage conditions
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from oxidizing materials and alkalies.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Tetrabromoethane is chemically incompatible with active metals, strong caustics, hot iron, aluminum, or zinc in the presence of steam.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
ACETYLENE TETRABROMIDE is incompatible with strong bases and chemically active metals. Incompatible with hot iron, aluminum and zinc in the presence of steam. May react with magnesium. Softens or destroys most plastics and rubber (NTP, 1992).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane in the storage compatibility matrix →