Substance profile
1,2-Dibromoethane
1,2-Dibromoethane is a heavy liquid with a chloroform odor.
01 · Identification
What 1,2-Dibromoethane is
1,2-Dibromoethane is a heavy liquid with a chloroform odor. It boils at 131 °C, melts at 9.8 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
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 |
|---|---|
| H350 | May cause cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H331 | Toxic if inhaled. |
| H311 | Toxic in contact with skin. |
| H301 | Toxic if swallowed. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
| H411 | Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P260, P264, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301, P302, P304, P305, P308, P310, P313, P330, P332, P337, P338, P352, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
1,2-Dibromoethane 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 | 131.3 °C (268.3 °F) | HSDB | |
| 131.11 °C (268 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 131 °C (267.8 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | 9.8 °C (49.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 10 °C (50 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 9.94 °C (49.9 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 2.17 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 2.18 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 2.1683 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Soluble in about 250 parts water | HSDB | |
| Soluble in diethyl ether, ethanol and most organic solvents. Miscible with non-alkaline organic liquids | HSDB | ||
| In water, 3.91X10+3 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 11 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO |
| 11.2 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 11 mmHg | at 25 °C | NIOSH | |
| Autoignition temperature | Not flammable (USCG, 1999) | CAMEO | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Noncombustible Liquid | NIOSH | |
| Vapor density | 6.48 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 6.5 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | Low: 76.80 mg/cu m; High: 62.50 mg/cu m. | HSDB | |
| Critical temperature and pressure | 309.8 °C (589.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Liquid ethylene dibromide will attack some forms of plastics, rubber, and coatings. | HSDB | |
| May poison platinum catalysts | HSDB | ||
| Corrosive to iron and other metals | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 1,2-Dibromoethane
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Light sensitive. May darken on storage.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Alkali metals, oxidizing agents, magnesium.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE slowly decomposes in the presence of light and heat. Turns brown upon exposure to light. Corrosive to iron and other metals. May decompose upon contact with alkalis. Incompatible with oxidizing agents. Reacts with sodium, potassium, calcium, powdered aluminum, zinc, magnesium and liquid ammonia. May attack some plastics, rubber and coatings. May poison platinum catalysts [Hawley]. Reacts as an alkylating agent (NTP, 1992).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 1,2-Dibromoethane in the storage compatibility matrix →