The story of 1,10-Dibromodecane takes us back to the early 20th century, where researchers explored halogenated hydrocarbons in search of new building blocks for synthetic chemistry. The shift from short-chain dibromoalkanes to longer chains like decane marked a practical answer to the growing demand for flexible molecular spacers in both research and industry. As laboratories branched out from textiles to pharmaceuticals, the need for specialized reagents led to the commercial availability of 1,10-Dibromodecane, especially after the 1950s, accompanying rising interest in polymer science and advanced materials.
1,10-Dibromodecane presents itself as a dihaloalkane with a straight ten-carbon backbone and bromine atoms at each end. Its twin reactivity makes it stand apart from more common mono-halogenated decanes. Chemists favor it for its predictable behavior in substitution and elimination reactions, allowing efficient synthesis of diverse derivatives. Its role as a linker in organic synthesis and polymer modification has established it as a staple in advanced chemistry laboratories. Production quality has improved as purity standards have tightened and supply sources have expanded, resulting in a reliable raw material for industrial and academic projects.
1,10-Dibromodecane appears as a heavy, colorless liquid with a faint sweet odor. It weighs in with a molecular mass of around 315 grams per mole, reflecting the presence of two bromine atoms. Its boiling point, often just above 300°C under atmospheric pressure, signals stability through a wide range of processing conditions. The density sits above that of water, true for most dibromoalkanes, and it resists rapid evaporation even in open air. While it mixes poorly with water due to its hydrophobic carbon chain, it dissolves well in organic solvents like chloroform or ether. Reactivity centers at the terminal bromine groups, which display a strong tendency towards nucleophilic substitution, a property essential for crosslinking or chain extension chemistries.
Producers label 1,10-Dibromodecane with straightforward quality metrics: purity often above 98%, minimal moisture content, clear indication of synthesis date, and batch traceability. Packaging typically employs amber glass or high-density polyethylene bottles to shield from light and moisture. Labels must conform to local and international hazard communication standards, ensuring clear visibility of GHS hazard pictograms, handling guidance, and emergency spill procedures. I have seen how attention to packaging detail directly translates to safer, more reliable usage in the lab and on the industrial floor.
Traditional syntheses of 1,10-Dibromodecane often start from decane or decanediol, with bromination steps involving liquid bromine or hydrobromic acid. Early methods worked via direct light-induced addition of bromine to the decane backbone, though selective substitution at terminal carbons presented challenges. Improved routes harnessed the oxidation of decane-1,10-diol to its corresponding dibromide using phosphorus tribromide or thionyl bromide. These updated methods favor higher yields and fewer side-products, cutting purification steps and waste, addressing both cost and environmental concerns. Facilities may recycle unreacted bromine and utilize closed-loop systems to prevent halogen emissions.
The primary reactions for 1,10-Dibromodecane exploit the bromine groups’ leaving ability. Chemists use the compound to build longer chain molecules by nucleophilic substitution with thiols, amines, or alkoxides, regularly crafting bespoke polymers and surfactants. It serves as a platform for producing crown ethers and cryptands—molecules essential to host-guest chemistry. Developers also leverage it as a crosslinker, threading through large polymer chains to modulate flex and resilience in rubbers or plastics. Under strong bases, the dibromide tends to participate in elimination reactions, yielding unsaturated intermediates important in specialty materials. These transformation options grant researchers impressive versatility in tailoring molecular architecture for complex chemical systems.
Over decades, suppliers and chemists traded several names for 1,10-Dibromodecane. Some catalogs still refer to it as Decamethylene dibromide, while other laboratories use the systematic name 1,10-Dibromodecane. Product codes vary, yet seasoned researchers know it as a mainstay in any list covering alkyl dihalides. This range in nomenclature occasionally leads to confusion, which makes rigorous labeling crucial, especially in international shipments or multipurpose storage rooms.
Handling 1,10-Dibromodecane pushes everyone in a lab or plant to respect personal protective equipment like gloves and goggles, due to its potential to cause skin and eye irritation and possible inhalation risks. Established safety protocols call for fume hood use and ready access to safety showers and eyewash stations. Regulatory agencies flag the necessity of spill containment, as organobromines may impact aquatic ecosystems. Proper waste handling turns into a non-negotiable habit—containers need labeling and secure storage pending disposal in compliance with environmental protection laws. Emergency measures receive regular review so staff respond fast in case of leaks or accidental exposure.
Industry heavyweights and academic labs both draw from 1,10-Dibromodecane’s toolkit. Its main employment lies in polymer chemistry, where it helps create and crosslink specialty plastics, facilitating new materials with custom flexibility or barrier properties. Advanced drug delivery systems sometimes leverage its backbone to construct biocompatible polymers. Researchers use it in the creation of supramolecular assemblies and complex macrocyclic structures, essential frameworks in nanotechnology and sensor development. Surfactant manufacturers appreciate its even chain length for predictable hydrophobic behavior, which makes product development smoother and results more repeatable from laboratory workup to pilot scale.
Groups focused on material science and molecular engineering keep advancing the uses for 1,10-Dibromodecane. New synthetic methods aim to cut hazardous byproducts and improve atom economy, chasing greener chemistry standards. Collaboration with environmental scientists drives the hunt for cleaner production cycles and safer disposal techniques. I’ve witnessed how these efforts lead to catalyst development and process intensification, translating scientific insight into sustainable, cost-effective practice. Spin-off technologies—like advanced drug carriers or self-healing polymers—rely on the kind of core structural flexibility that dibromoalkanes like this provide.
Toxicology studies of 1,10-Dibromodecane report moderate acute toxicity. Skin and respiratory irritation come first with direct exposure. Long-term risks tie back to organobromines’ persistence in organisms and ecosystems. Research teams screen for bioaccumulation, mutagenicity, and chronic organ damage. New studies weigh in on how breakdown products affect aquatic life and soil bacteria. Balancing chemical utility and safety depends on ongoing toxicological research and firm regulatory oversight. The responsible approach is educating all personnel and integrating medical monitoring alongside routine workplace safety checks.
Chemical innovation rarely slows, and the future suggests greater refinement in how 1,10-Dibromodecane gets made and applied. Calls for higher-purity grades continue, as experimental science moves into nanoscale and precision medicine. The drive for greener chemistry could lead companies toward bio-based decane or alternative halogen sources, slashing environmental impact. At the same time, robotics and automation create safer handling setups, all while slashing human exposure. As research explores self-assembling materials and sustainable plastics, dibromo compounds look set to remain foundational, adapting to changing priorities thanks to their simple yet powerful molecular features.
People working with specialty chemicals know that some compounds punch above their weight. 1,10-Dibromodecane falls into that camp. With two bromine atoms nestled on either end of a ten-carbon chain, this molecule carves out a niche in labs churning out unique organic compounds. It rarely draws attention in mainstream science articles, but on a practical level, its role extends far beyond a textbook example of a dibromoalkane.
Anyone who’s been involved in organic synthesis learns early on that making new molecules means getting creative about bringing pieces together. 1,10-Dibromodecane works best as a linker. Chemists use it to join two reactants at either end—forming bridges in the molecular sense. In making advanced polymers, for instance, this dibromide offers a simple way to introduce ten atoms of flexibility between two rigid segments. That extra stretch allows for plasticity many consumer products depend on, from coatings to specialty rubbers.
For me, the practical value became clear during a stint in an academic polymer research group. We were developing flexible yet tough block copolymers. Without 1,10-dibromodecane and similar long-chain dibromoalkanes, crafting those custom segments would have meant complicated workarounds. Access to a stable, easy-to-handle source of two bromine “handles” sped up the process.
Many practical products—molecular sensors, electronics, even functional clothing—use materials that rely on macrocyclic structures. Building these rings or cages demands a way to connect the ends of large molecules. 1,10-Dibromodecane serves as a classic starting material for these syntheses. Its well-spaced bromine atoms allow for ring formation reactions that wouldn’t work with shorter chains.
Polymer chemists and materials scientists look for reliability in their starting materials. 1,10-Dibromodecane delivers, making it a staple for those pushing boundaries in supramolecular chemistry. I’ve seen groups turn to this compound when trying to assemble customized frameworks for trapping ions or separating gases—a real-world need for clean energy and water technologies.
It’s easy to focus on utility and forget about safety and environmental responsibility. Although 1,10-dibromodecane isn’t the most toxic brominated solvent by a long shot, brominated compounds deserve care. In my lab experience, basic precautions—good ventilation, gloves, and careful waste management—kept everyone safe and kept the material out of waterways.
Regulations on brominated organics grow stricter each year. Bromine, if mishandled, adds to persistent pollutants like PBDEs that build up in the environment. Research groups and manufacturers have embraced greener chemistry guidelines to limit emissions and ensure that disposal practices meet standards. I’ve seen companies opt for closed-loop synthesis and solvent recovery rather than dumping wastes. Plenty can be achieved by giving chemists incentives to develop alternative connecting reagents from renewable sources, or using recyclable metal catalysts instead of traditional approaches that can create hazardous byproducts.
People outside the lab may never encounter 1,10-dibromodecane, but its story offers a case study in specialty chemical use, responsible production, and the push for safer, smarter materials. Those looking for a hardy, efficient connector in organic synthesis keep this compound on their list, while also facing the challenge of using it wisely. A balance between progress and stewardship stays essential as more chemists work toward high-tech, low-waste solutions.
Anyone who’s spent time in a chemistry lab knows the sense of anticipation as you figure out a compound’s structure. Decane lands in the spotlight with its simple ten carbon chain. Swap out two hydrogens for bromine atoms—at both ends of the chain—and something interesting starts to unfold. Now you’re holding 1,10-dibromodecane. The molecular formula comes together as C10H20Br2—ten carbons, twenty hydrogens, and two bromines. It seems straightforward, but behind these twenty-seven atoms lies a world that bridges fundamental chemistry and practical application.
Details separate good science from hand-waving. Misstep on a molecular formula—even by one element—and you risk a synthesis gone sour or a safety hazard. With chemicals like 1,10-dibromodecane, accuracy also matters for regulatory paperwork and safety data sheets. It doesn't just satisfy the sticklers; it keeps people and processes safe by tracing exact properties, reactivity, and safe handling protocols. In compliance-heavy industries or a university stockroom, the wrong label could start a cascade of confusion or danger. A compound like 1,10-dibromodecane, with bromines at terminal positions, carries a different profile than a mid-chain substitute. Proper naming and formula keep operators, students, and researchers out of trouble.
Many lab notes end up coffee-stained, but a clear formula like C10H20Br2 stands the test of time. I once worked next to a plastics research team that leaned heavily on dibromoalkanes. They looked for molecules that could bridge small and large, linking short blocks into versatile chains. 1,10-dibromodecane shines as a building block for polymers. Its terminal bromine atoms help kick off substitution or elimination reactions. That means more options for tailored plastics, adhesives, and devices—engineering possibilities pop up thanks to seemingly dry formulas.
Production favors methods that minimize waste and lock in a clean yield. There’s still demand for effective, green chemistry. I’ve seen teams work to streamline reactions using non-toxic solvents, especially with heavier atoms like bromine. Each clean reaction cuts environmental impact. Getting formulas and procedures right means fewer missteps and less waste, which helps both lab budgets and the planet.
Heavier halogenated compounds carry a sense of responsibility. No one wants to see brominated substances offhandedly poured down the drain. Regulations keep getting tighter because brominated hydrocarbons persist and can build up in nature. Good chemical literacy means knowing how to store, use, and safely discard 1,10-dibromodecane. MSDS sheets guide safe handling, but day-to-day vigilance falls on the people in the lab. Basic steps—good labeling, personal protective equipment, and proper waste segregation—protect everyone from accidents with potent reagents.
Solid chemistry starts with getting the facts right. The molecular formula of 1,10-dibromodecane is C10H20Br2. It plays a low-key but crucial role in research, manufacture, and lab safety. Proper use and disposal, transparency about formulation, and clear communication bridge gaps between theory and daily practice. Any lab, educator, or chemist worth their salt keeps a sharp eye on formulas and application, building a safer, smarter scientific community in the process.
In labs and factories, people use chemicals like 1,10-dibromodecane to help build special materials, custom plastics, and certain pharmaceuticals. This compound shows up as a clear liquid with an odd odor, and the name itself hints at its structure—two bromine atoms attached at the ends of a ten-carbon chain. It’s part of a broader group of alkyl halides, substances that get attention for both their usefulness and their risks.
Anyone who has spent time in a chemistry lab knows that handling brominated materials means thinking about safety in a real way. 1,10-dibromodecane can irritate the skin and eyes. Both direct contact and vapors can trigger headaches and nausea. Safety data sheets point out that it may be harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Contamination carries real health risks, especially after repeated exposure.
Remembering my first experience with brominated compounds, I fumbled with gloves and goggles, hands shaking from nerves and respect for the warning signs I’d read about organics in college textbooks. Stories circulate among chemists about mishaps—red, itchy hands, burning eyes—and they help shape how people approach these reagents. It’s not about paranoia. It’s about seeing colleagues learn lessons the hard way.
The problems don’t stop at personal harm. Industrial chemicals with bromine create ripple effects in the environment. 1,10-dibromodecane doesn’t break down easily in soil or water. Brominated compounds can sneak into local waterways if spills or leaks happen, causing harm to aquatic life. The persistence means the chemical can stick around in the environment for years. Some related chemicals build up in living tissue, traveling up the food chain—fish, birds, even people at the top.
Worldwide regulations take these impacts seriously. The EPA and the European Chemicals Agency limit the use and disposal of substances with lingering toxicity for both people and wildlife. Countries track emissions and waste handling to stop both accidental and routine releases. These rules matter most near chemical plants, where a small slipup can affect a whole community’s water supply.
Instead of cutting corners, workers embrace habits that keep them and their surroundings protected. In the lab, this means gloves aren’t just a formality—they’re the first shield. Fume hoods suck vapors away. Emergency showers and eye wash stations aren’t tucked away in back hallways—they’re in plain sight, tested each week. Training isn’t a box to check off; it stays fresh through regular drills and real talk about risk.
Labels stay prominent. Containers stay sealed and dated. Waste gets sorted according to strict rules, and local hazardous waste facilities handle disposal for anything that can’t go down the drain or into standard garbage.
Researchers explore alternatives where possible. Green chemistry pushes for reagents that break down quickly or come from renewable resources. Sometimes the goal is a drop-in replacement for a brominated chain. Sometimes it’s about rewriting the reaction so the hazard goes away entirely. Progress doesn’t always come easy, but the push for safer science means fewer people take risks in silence.
If safer handling or newer substitutes still don’t eliminate risk, oversight groups set thresholds on exposure and demand monitoring. Everyone from the lab bench to the regulatory agency has a part in keeping workers and communities safe. With vigilance and creative science, the story doesn’t end with the hazards—it moves toward solutions that put health first.
Learning about chemicals like 1,10-Dibromodecane often means scanning long lists of safety data and regulations without much real-world context. My work around chemical storerooms has convinced me that every small detail—from the quality of the shelf to the temperature control in a lab—matters especially when dealing with compounds that can turn from benign-looking liquids into major hazards if handled poorly. 1,10-Dibromodecane has no strong odor to warn you about its presence, and its pale color blends easily with common solvents, making attention to detail more than just a procedure—it’s about staying safe and responsible.
This chemical, used a lot in research and industry as a building block, doesn’t demand wild precautions—what it does call for is diligence. Keep 1,10-Dibromodecane in a cool, dry area where the everyday humidity doesn’t climb out of control. Moisture may not start a reaction immediately, but from personal experience, regular exposure leads to slow degradation. Equipment, labels, and even the chemical's behavior start to change over time. A flammable liquids cabinet with chemical-resistant shelves goes a long way, as does parking it far from acids, amines, or oxidizing agents that could accelerate unwanted reactions. Good ventilation isn’t just a suggestion; it’s protection for yourself and anyone working near you.
I’ve seen people get comfortable in labs, but complacency can lead to problems. Protective gloves (nitrile holds up well), lab coats, and goggles aren’t just for show. Even a small spill can irritate skin and become a headache if splashed near your eyes. Don’t eat or drink anywhere near your chemical workbench. One wrong move and you’re on the phone with emergency services explaining a preventable accident. Always keep safety showers and eyewash stations within reach—the quicker you respond, the lower the risk of lasting harm.
Containers should stay tightly sealed. I can’t count how many times cracked or poorly fitting lids led to evaporation, leaks, or unexpected contamination. Use glass or HDPE containers, which resist corrosion and prevent unplanned reactions. Clear labeling keeps confusion to a minimum, and regular checks on dates and chemical condition help keep everyone on the same page. Marking received and opened dates reveals how fast the stock moves and if anything hasn’t been touched in a long time. Chemical stockpiles can quietly turn into risk zones if ignored for months.
Even the best systems can stumble. Quick, confident action during spills—absorbing with inert material, isolating the mess, and notifying others—keeps events from escalating. Gather waste in sturdy, closed drums labeled clearly for halogenated organics. Mixing waste types ruins disposal batches and can provoke chemical reactions, so a vigilant eye on segregation goes a long way. I’d rather see someone triple-check a drum label than make a “near miss” the story of the day.
Smart habits—storage in the right spot, gloves on every time, careful labeling—play a bigger role than state-of-the-art systems or high-tech monitoring. Strong training for anyone who works with 1,10-Dibromodecane, plus practical drills and a willingness to speak up about unsafe conditions, keep workplaces running without unscheduled chaos. None of these steps add more than a few minutes to your workflow, but they keep you and your colleagues protected while following good scientific practice.
In chemistry, every decimal point in purity changes the game. 1,10-Dibromodecane, a useful bromoalkane for making pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty materials, often comes with claims of 98% or even 99% purity on supplier catalogs. That two percent might look cosmetic from the outside, but those few points often mean the difference between a smooth research project and wasted weeks chasing impurities that throw off reactions.
Back in graduate school, purity markers rarely matched real-world outcomes. I once ordered 1,10-Dibromodecane for a multi-step synthesis and trusted the spec listed as “≥98% (GC).” After two failed runs, NMR revealed a tail of non-decanes and trace mono-bromo species. Only after switching to a carefully purified batch above 99.5% did the final product yield clean crystals. Contaminants not only slow things down, they can cause side reactions that muddy both research and industrial processes.
Large brands like Sigma-Aldrich, Alfa Aesar, and TCI often list purity between 97% and 99%—analyzed by gas chromatography. Less established vendors sometimes promise “high purity,” but only a certificate with batch data tells the truth. Purity specifications depend on testing method, too. Gas chromatography can’t always see moisture; Karl Fischer titration would be needed for that. Some suppliers publish only the total that’s not 1,10-Dibromodecane, but not the nature of the trace materials. These technical details matter, especially in tightly controlled applications.
In the lab or factory, residues from incomplete synthesis—such as nonyl bromides, dibrominated side products, or even leftover solvents—can spoil results. Polymers made using a brominated chain-transfer agent show off-target molar mass if the dihalide purity slips. In drug discovery, secondary amines pick up unexpected N-alkylations caused by unreacted mono-bromo analogs. A 98% grade seems identical to a 99% grade on paper, but that one percent introduces constant troubleshooting and QC headaches.
GMP facilities set acceptance criteria for incoming feedstocks: not just “98% minimum” but also impurity identification and limits. If an impurity matches a regulated list or is classified as genotoxic in pharmaceuticals, the batch sits idle until everything checks out. It’s not just about the number, it's the profile. Regulators and auditors always want traceability and transparency on the contents.
Labs can dodge headaches by insisting on a full analytical certificate, not just a percentage. Request the chromatogram or NMR data for the actual batch you receive. Some manufacturers offer purer lots, even up to 99.9%, for critical uses. Recrystallization or vacuum distillation at the user end can help, though these steps add time and risk to the workflow. Buyers should avoid short-term savings from unverified new suppliers. Once-burned chemists rarely risk a second mix-up when projects and reputations sit on the line.
Purity specs for 1,10-Dibromodecane aren’t a marketing footnote—they’re a reflection of how seriously a supplier takes their product. Experienced chemists know to look for batch-specific data, understand how the purity was measured, and ask hard questions before using it as a critical feedstock. Consistency, not just a high number, separates a reliable product from a headache-inducing wildcard.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 1,10-dibromodecane |
| Other names |
DECAMETHYLENE BROMIDE
n-Decamethylene dibromide n-Decylene dibromide |
| Pronunciation | /ˈwʌn ˈtɛn daɪˈbroʊmoʊˌdiːkeɪn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 4109-56-0 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1408486 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:84417 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL141967 |
| ChemSpider | 15423 |
| DrugBank | DB14055 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03b2e1d9-0c1a-4397-9d72-d5e6da163bf5 |
| EC Number | 203-892-1 |
| Gmelin Reference | 84117 |
| KEGG | C08335 |
| MeSH | D008715 |
| PubChem CID | 12238 |
| RTECS number | HE7175000 |
| UNII | G4TK45W135 |
| UN number | UN3334 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID3024113 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C10H20Br2 |
| Molar mass | 383.08 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.39 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.) |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble in water |
| log P | 4.68 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.00243 mmHg (25°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 14.0 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -87.6e-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.522 |
| Viscosity | 3.29 cP (20°C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.48 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 489.8 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | –20.6 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -6291.6 kJ/mol |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin. Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302 + H315 + H319 + H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P280-P305+P351+P338-P337+P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1*2*0* |
| Flash point | > 144 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): >5,000 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | TT2975000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.1 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
1,10-Diiododecane
1,10-Dichlorodecane 1,10-Dodecanediol |
