Substance profile
Bromoethane
Bromoethane is a liquid with an ether-like odor.
01 · Identification
What Bromoethane is
Bromoethane is a liquid with an ether-like odor. Its molecular formula is C2H5Br and its molecular weight is 108.97 g/mol. It boils at 38.2 °C, melts at -118 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
Other names for Bromoethane
- ethyl bromide
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 |
|---|---|
| H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H351 | Suspected of causing cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P210, P233, P241, P242, P260, P270, P271, P280, P301, P304, P308, P312, P313, P330, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Bromoethane 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 | 38.2 °C (100.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| 38.33 °C (101 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 38.39 °C (101.1 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -118.4 °C (-181.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| -118.89 °C (-182 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 1.46 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.4604 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.46 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | In water, 1.067, 0.965, 0.914, and 0.896 g/100 g water at 0, 10, 20, and 30 °C, respectively | HSDB | |
| Miscible with ethanol, ether, chloroform | HSDB | ||
| In water, 9,000 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 375 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 375 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 467 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | -20 °C (-4 °F) | Closed cup | HSDB |
| -23.33 °C (-10 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| -20 °C (-4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 511.11 °C (952 °F) | HSDB | |
| 511 °C (951.8 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 6.8 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 6.75 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 8 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 11.25 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| Vapor density | 3.76 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Odor threshold | 890 mg/cu m (Odor low); 890 mg/cu m (Odor high) | HSDB | |
| Odor Threshold Low: 3.1 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Odor threshold from CHEMINFO | Haz-Map | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 776.8 °C (1430.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Liquid ethyl bromide 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 Bromoethane
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. Refrigerate before opening. Over time, pressure may increase causing containers to burst. Handle and open container with care.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Carbon oxides, Hydrogen bromide gas.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
ETHYL BROMIDE will react with steam to produce toxic and corrosive fumes. It can react vigorously with oxidizers. It reacts with strong bases. It also reacts with chemically active metals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, powdered aluminum, zinc and magnesium. It will attack some forms of plastics, rubber and coatings. (NTP, 1992)
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Bromoethane in the storage compatibility matrix →