Substance profile
α-bromotoluene
α-bromotoluene is a clear, refractive liquid with a very sharp; pungent; like tear gas odor.
01 · Identification
What α-bromotoluene is
α-bromotoluene is a clear, refractive liquid with a very sharp; pungent; like tear gas odor. It boils at 191 °C, melts at -1.5 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning. It is classed as corrosives.
Other names for α-bromotoluene
- benzyl 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 |
|---|---|
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
Precautionary statements: P264, P280, P302, P305, P313, P332, P337, P338, P352
03 · Physical and chemical properties
α-bromotoluene 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 | 191 °C (375.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| 201 °C (393.8 °F) | at 760 mmHg | DOE PAC | |
| 198.33 °C (389 °F) | range, midpoint shown, at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -1.5 °C (29.3 °F) | HSDB | |
| -4 °C (24.8 °F) | ICSC | ||
| -1.94 °C (28.5 °F) | range, midpoint shown | CAMEO | |
| Density | 1.441 g/cm³ | at 22 °C | CAMEO |
| 1.438 g/cm³ | ICSC | ||
| 1.438 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Miscible in ethanol and ether; soluble in carbon tetrachloride | HSDB | |
| Sol in benzene | HSDB | ||
| Reaction (NTP, 1992) | CAMEO | ||
| Vapor pressure | 0.45 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 0.7501 mmHg | at 25.4 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 86 °C (186.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| 79 °C (174.2 °F) | closed cup | HSDB | |
| 86.67 °C (188 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Above 79 °C explosive vapor/air mixtures may be formed. | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 5.8 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 5.9 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Corrosivity | Corrosive to metal ... . | HSDB | |
| Corrosive | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling α-bromotoluene
Storage conditions
In general, materials which are toxic as stored or which can decomposition into toxic components due to heat, moisture, acids, or acid fumes, should be stored in cool, well ventilated place, out of sun, away from area of high fire hazard and should be periodically inspected and monitored. Incompatible materials should be isolated.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Decomposes rapidly in presence of all common metals except nickel and lead, liberating heat and hydrogen bromide.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
BENZYL BROMIDE reacts with water, alcohols, common metals (except nickel and lead), bases, amines and oxidizing agents. (NTP, 1992). This material stored over activated 4A molecular sieve burst a bottle due to condensation-polymerization reaction with generation of HBr gas, [Chem. Eng. News, 1979, 57(12), 74].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check α-bromotoluene in the storage compatibility matrix →