© 2026 Nanjing Finechem Holdings Co., Ltd,
All Right Reserved
Chemistry often chases innovation, and 2-Bromoacetophenone has a resourceful past stretching back among the classic reagents of organic synthesis. This compound caught the attention of both academic labs and chemical suppliers in the early 20th century, dovetailing with expanded research into halogenated aromatic ketones. Even as synthetic techniques modernized, this molecule kept a spot on the workbench. Chemists learned the ropes with it in undergraduate labs and graduate theses—from Grignard-style reactions to acylations—long before the current rush toward green chemistry and computational design.
At its core, 2-Bromoacetophenone presents as a crystalline solid, carrying the signature odor of halogenated aromatics. Its chemical structure—a benzene ring tethered to an acetyl group featuring a bromine atom at the alpha position—seems simple at first glance. In reality, the molecule supplies a versatile starting point for diverse transformations. It doesn't get as much attention on the market as mass-produced solvents or bulk chemicals, but its role pops up in fields as different as pharmaceutical intermediates and chemical defense studies.
From a practical standpoint, chemists recognize 2-Bromoacetophenone by its white to pale-yellow crystals. Melting points hover around the middle of the modest range compared with similar brominated ketones, which helps with both handling and isolation. In terms of solubility, it dissolves comfortably in organic solvents such as chloroform, diethyl ether, and ethanol, but stays stubbornly insoluble in water. That hydrophobic character stems from its aromatic platform. The bromine atom, with its significant atomic radius and heavyweight presence, amplifies the compound’s reactivity while also contributing to its characteristic density and volatility. Chemical stability generally holds up in cool, dry conditions away from light, but the molecule will degrade and discolor if stored poorly.
Reagent bottles of 2-Bromoacetophenone usually come with purity grades that meet or exceed 98% for research-grade batches. The clear chemical formula, C8H7BrO, along with the CAS number 70-11-1, helps someone working in a lab track exactly what’s in their flask. Batch labeling goes beyond just grade and lot number: it should mention manufacturing date and storage recommendations because of sensitivity to light and moisture. Clarity here isn’t about legal compliance—it speaks to trust between the supplier and the scientist who relies on that label every time they reach for the bottle.
Getting to pure 2-Bromoacetophenone isn’t a neat click-and-go exercise. Most synthetic routes draw from the established technique of acetophenone alpha-bromination. A typical approach employs bromine with a catalytic quantity of acid under controlled temperatures, striking a balance between high yield and avoiding over-bromination or dangerous runaway reactions. While alternative greener brominating agents and catalytic systems are under development, they haven’t quite supplanted the classic playbook in most labs. Stringent control over reaction rate and quenching remains crucial because side-products, especially polybrominated derivatives, can sneak in with lax attention.
2-Bromoacetophenone acts like an organic lab’s “choose your own adventure” prompt. The activated alpha-bromoketone can head into nucleophilic substitution, making it a launching pad for new carbon-carbon or carbon-heteroatom linkages. The bromine atom serves as a good leaving group, which opens the door for new functional groups to install with predictability. Chemists exploit these traits to build up complex molecules downstream, particularly where selectivity at the alpha position matters. Reductions, Grignard additions, and coupling reactions trace back to this intermediate often. Each session in the lab tests not just mastery of basic reactivity, but the chemist’s discipline in controlling exotherms and handling hazardous intermediates.
Catalog searches bring up more than one name for this compound: alpha-Bromoacetophenone, o-Bromoacetophenone, and 2-Phenyl-2-bromoethanone rank among the most common. While regulatory listings might standardize around the IUPAC system, practical users see these synonyms in technical bulletins, old experimental papers, and ordering systems. Missing a compound because of a quirk in naming conventions can send a researcher on an hour-long wild goose chase. Accurate nomenclature bridges academic, industrial, and regulatory silos.
This compound hits the caution list with good reason. Exposure, even at modest levels, triggers irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat. Accidental inhalation of dust or vapors can bring someone close to tears—literally. With toxicity studies linking the compound to possible mutagenic or sensitizing effects, lab workers treat it with gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection where handling uncapped material. Waste handling routes never include standard trash or drains; incineration or specialist disposal represents the responsible path. Training courses in chemistry often introduce its hazards as a teaching lesson about vigilance over even small quantities of reactive materials.
Specialty chemicals like 2-Bromoacetophenone don’t break sales records, but their influence extends much further than product volume suggests. In pharmaceutical research, the compound’s reactive alpha position helps jumpstart the assembly of potential drug candidates. Agrochemicals sometimes rely on similar building blocks in the early stages of designing new pesticide molecules. Its niche role in chemical defense research—relating to riot control agents—remains controversial. For all these uses, what stands out is the chemical’s balance between reactivity and manageability, giving chemists a chance to drive selectivity in their synthesis plans. Its footprint also lands in analytical chemistry as a derivatizing agent for detecting trace amines.
Research interest won’t wane any time soon. Investigators probe alternative synthesis routes, hoping to limit hazardous waste and improve process yields. Catalytic bromination approaches and greener solvents find a testing ground with this molecule. On the application front, combinatorial libraries and flow chemistry setups incorporate this bromo-ketone to explore new molecules at speed. Its accessibility in scale-up makes it valuable for pilot plant chemists and late-stage development teams looking to validate commercial routes. Journals continue to publish improved protocols and applications that stem from this simple aromatic intermediate.
Toxicological studies consistently flag 2-Bromoacetophenone’s sharp effects upon exposure. Classification as a lachrymatory agent is no joke—direct contact produces burning sensations, watering eyes, and inflammation that prompt immediate decontamination. Chronic effects draw scrutiny too, with repeated contact posing risks to skin and respiratory passages. Animal testing points toward potential systemic toxicity at elevated doses, so regulatory bodies often list exposure limits and require strict signage. Modern research shifts away from animal studies where possible, exploring in vitro assays and predictive toxicology to establish thresholds and guide workable risk assessments.
Looking ahead, the field includes both promise and pressure. Regulatory environments tighten each year, shifting the focus toward safer alternatives and improved process efficiency. Academic green chemistry groups work tirelessly to design less hazardous variants and recycle or neutralize waste streams. On the synthesis side, automation and in-line monitoring could trim variability, making preparation both cleaner and more reliable. In spite of tougher scrutiny, demand persists as new research questions pop up and fresh applications in medicinal chemistry call for sturdy, predictable building blocks. 2-Bromoacetophenone’s legacy comes as much from problems it helps solve as the obstacles it presents, and experience says its chapter in chemical innovation is still being written.
2-Bromoacetophenone doesn’t show up in everyday conversation. Most folks haven’t heard of it unless they’ve spent some time in a chemistry lab or worked with specialty chemicals. Yet, anyone who’s ever looked into the history of tear gases or the nuts and bolts of making certain medicines has brushed the edges of its story. You’d be surprised at how a molecule like this, with a bitter almond-like odor and a strongly reactive chemical tail, keeps threading through some impactful events and practical applications.
From a chemist’s point of view, 2-Bromoacetophenone serves as a key ingredient in the toolkit for making new compounds. Academic labs and pharmaceutical manufacturers both take advantage of its structure when they need to build more complex molecules. In the process of drug discovery, for example, this compound can deliver a bromo group—think of it like a Lego brick that connects to others. That allows for forming bonds that help design anti-inflammatory agents, local anesthetics, or molecules for targeting cancer cells.
I've worked alongside colleagues who chase after new ways to fight disease. The demand for versatile intermediates is constant. Researchers count on compounds like 2-Bromoacetophenone when testing new reaction routes and tweaking molecular shapes. In one year alone, dozens of scientific papers mention this compound in syntheses. Its presence signals a push for creativity, aiming for solutions to tough health problems.
Turn the clock back about a century, and things get more uncomfortable. 2-Bromoacetophenone, historically labelled “BA”, featured prominently as a tear gas, especially during World War I. Law enforcement and militaries valued it for its quick action—burning eyes, choking lungs, short-term incapacitation. Some countries stuck with it for decades until stricter regulations clamped down due to toxicity concerns.
Stories from older officers and military historians paint a sharp picture. Deployment of BA left rooms uninhabitable for hours. It hung heavy in the air, bringing pain to soldiers and protesters alike. Regulations exist for a reason here. Health hazards—especially if inhaled in enclosed spaces—range from lung damage to long-term eye injuries. Labs working with it now keep strict protocols, and that’s not just bureaucracy talking. I know chemists who have gotten even a whiff and quickly regretted it.
The listing of 2-Bromoacetophenone in chemical regulation books underlines its double-edged nature. On one side, it helps advance medical science and academic research. On the other side, unchecked or careless use brings unintended harm. Lawmakers and safety experts have learned hard lessons—clear labeling, safe workspaces, limited distribution, and solid training are non-negotiable.
Solving safety challenges means sticking to robust safety guidelines, supporting proper training, and encouraging open communication between researchers and oversight bodies. There’s no shortcut here. Accidents in even well-equipped labs can cost sight, health, or worse. I’ve seen teams run safety drills, swap stories about near-misses, and, most importantly, share knowledge with the next generation. That’s the right spirit for handling chemicals with sharp edges.
2-Bromoacetophenone shows up in laboratories as a reagent for organic synthesis and sometimes in law enforcement circles as a basis for tear gas. This chemical comes with baggage: it burns skin, tears up eyes, and clouds the lungs if someone works with it carelessly. Even a whiff can leave your throat raw and your chest aching. As someone who’s handled reactive chemicals for research, I can say the sense of caution isn’t paranoia—it’s necessary. Several researchers have ended up in urgent care after dropping their guard with compounds like this.
Touching 2-Bromoacetophenone means stinging pain, redness, and sometimes blisters. The eyes go into full protest mode with tearing, burning, and temporary vision loss. Breathing in the fumes is worse. It starts with coughing and chest tightness, quickly leading to trouble catching your breath. Emergency room visits spike every year from accidental exposure in teaching labs. Stories circulate of someone splashing their wrist or getting too close to an open vial—the regret always sets in later.
For everyone working with this compound, the answer lies in strict routines that help avoid these experiences. Gloves aren’t just a suggestion—they’re your insurance. Nitrile gloves give better resistance compared to latex. Lab coats protect more of your skin, and protective goggles shield eyes from vapor or splashes. If you mix it with a chemical known for volatility, full-face shields become mandatory. Planning every procedure before starting keeps surprises to a minimum. You want to check that all ventilation is working before you weigh or transfer the powder.
No one should measure or open 2-Bromoacetophenone outside of a fume hood. Hoods pull harmful fumes away so you aren’t stuck coughing or gasping. Before starting, check the airflow with a strip of tissue or the airflow display, make sure the sash is low, and keep your face behind the glass. When you finish, close the container tight, label it clearly, and store it in a cool, locked chemical cabinet. Avoid stacking or dropping bottles, since breakage means an instant evacuation.
Mishaps happen, even to veterans. For small spills, scoop up solids with dedicated spill pads or absorbent materials—never use bare hands. Waste goes in a designated chemical bin, not regular trash. Ventilate the room for at least half an hour after a spill. Large spills call for an immediate alert to everyone nearby, evacuation, and notification of environmental health and safety officers. Safety showers and eyewash stations must be within a few steps of your workspace. Practice makes memory stick—drill emergency procedures once a semester, not just during onboarding.
2-Bromoacetophenone shouldn’t sit on open shelves. Only trained staff should handle or access it. Catalog the amount and track its whereabouts. Supervisors who walk new team members through handling steps keep accidents down. Signs posted all over the workspace remind everyone about eye protection, gloves, and proper waste disposal. Keep chemical safety data sheets within arm’s reach and make sure everyone knows what’s in them.
When handling a substance as tricky as 2-Bromoacetophenone, it pays to stay aware. Take every warning seriously and never skip steps. A little patience saves a lot of pain and prevents stories of chemical burns or frantic evacuations. Regular training, up-to-date safety gear, and an atmosphere where people speak up about hazards make the biggest difference. Safety isn’t just a requirement—it’s the culture that keeps everyone in the lab healthy and back home for dinner.
In university labs, the sight of small brown bottles labeled "2-Bromoacetophenone" immediately triggers certain safety habits. Gloves on, goggles snug, and everyone alert. There's a good reason for this: 2-Bromoacetophenone, known for its tear-inducing properties, once found a place in riot control methods. Its structure—a benzene ring with an acetyl group and bromine substitution—gives it this reputation.
Chemistry doesn't play around with elemental add-and-subtract; getting the molecular formula right comes down to a careful look. For 2-Bromoacetophenone, start with the parent molecule, acetophenone: C8H8O. Replace a hydrogen on the aromatic ring, specifically at the "2" position (right next to the acetyl group), with a bromine atom. The result: one less hydrogen, one added bromine. The formula becomes C8H7BrO.
Chemists trust formulas. In the world of drug development, fine chemical manufacturing, or even academic research, one missed atom changes properties in a big way. Take the bromo group in 2-Bromoacetophenone—bromine isn't just a placeholder. Its electron-hogging nature changes how the molecule interacts with other chemicals. That “2-position” matters because shifting the bromine elsewhere yields another compound altogether, different boiling points, different reactivity, different safety profile. Lab notebooks keep track of such subtleties, since a single typo in a synthesis report sometimes triggers a repeat of an entire week’s work.
Learning the precision required by organic chemistry didn't just happen in textbooks. Years spent preparing small molecules for spectroscopy or undergraduate teaching confirmed that mistakes with molecular formulas waste time and put safety at risk. Schools, research labs, and manufacturing facilities carry stories of accidents caused by swapped or missing halogens. Accurate reporting saves resources. Sharing clean, verified formulas is part of trustworthy science.
2-Bromoacetophenone might look like a textbook example, yet it holds lessons for real-world problems. Mishandling this tear gas compound had real consequences in early 20th-century policing. Today, its synthesis forms a rite of passage in many teaching labs, showing students how to spot and avoid overbromination. For the chemical industry, mistakes turn into hazardous waste, faulty products, or regulatory scrutiny.
Risks go down when teams work in spaces with clear chemical labeling, regular formula audits, and ongoing training. The rise of digital inventory systems, QR-coded labels, and real-time molecular structure checkers makes catching problems easier. Still, I’ve seen experienced lab techs double-check with good old paper and pencil—no technology replaces the clarity of a well-drawn skeletal formula and direct tally of atoms.
In the bigger picture, knowing the exact molecular formula, like C8H7BrO for 2-Bromoacetophenone, should be second nature. The story isn't just about memorization, but about responsible science and safe handling. For those setting foot in a lab, it's one small but crucial part of building expertise and trust in the technical community. Even outside the lab, better chemical literacy supports smarter choices in everything from public health to environmental stewardship.
Anyone who’s handled chemicals like 2-Bromoacetophenone in a lab setting knows the risks carried by certain compounds. This one grabs attention not just because it’s used for organic synthesis, but also because it carries a sting—think lachrymatory, a real eye and respiratory tract irritant. I remember a colleague accidentally opening a bottle of a similar compound during a rushed inventory check, only to start coughing and needing fresh air right away. It’s important to think about people—colleagues, lab techs, and cleaning staff—when making decisions about storage.
2-Bromoacetophenone reacts with moisture and strong bases. Left uncovered or stored incorrectly, it doesn’t just lose effectiveness; it puts everyone near it at risk. Over the years in labs, I’ve learned that small oversights can quickly turn into emergencies. A bottle sitting too close to a heat source, or left under a leaky air conditioning pipe, can create more than just a mess — it can put people in the hospital.
Here’s how I keep chemicals like this from causing trouble:
People working in research, teaching labs, or manufacturing should never find themselves wondering about basic safety for chemicals like these. Wear gloves, goggles, and lab coats when opening bottles. Use a fume hood if possible. You protect your coworkers and the planet—because spills and accidental disposal harm more than just the building you work in. I’ve helped clean up after more than one careless mistake, and none ended quickly or without stress.
Smart storage keeps science moving forward and accidents down. Learn from those who’ve seen things go sideways, and don’t take short cuts. Safety isn’t just about following rules—it’s about keeping your team and your community healthy and thriving.
My first real brush with chemical safety didn’t happen in a sterile lab. It was in an old college stockroom, sorting through bottles tagged with names that barely fit on the labels. Some names made me pause—2-Bromoacetophenone was one. A chemical like this has a history, and it only takes a little digging to realize that even small amounts deserve a big dose of respect.
2-Bromoacetophenone doesn't get headlines like mercury or lead, but its hazards stack up fast. It's an organic compound with a bromine atom riding shotgun, making it reactive and, frankly, pretty nasty to handle without the right gear. Most folks run into this chemical in research labs or specialized industrial settings. To call it 'toxic' doesn't quite do it justice. Short-term exposure causes burning eyes, coughing, and chest discomfort. Contact with skin can leave severe irritation or even chemical burns.
Even inhaling tiny amounts of its vapor will send your lungs reeling. Picture tear gas: 2-Bromoacetophenone played a starring role in early versions used for riot control. That should set off alarm bells. No one wants a lab accident turning into a makeshift war zone, but that’s the reality if safety protocols get ignored. Long-term effects aren’t fully mapped out, partly because anyone hit by a strong dose usually ends up seeking medical help fast. There isn’t much doubt, though, that repeated exposure does real damage.
Everyone who’s spent time working with chemicals knows the temptation to shrug off the safety glasses 'just this once.' But a spill with 2-Bromoacetophenone won’t let you off easy. Even small splashes or whiffs can mess up your day, or much more. That’s why gloves and tightly-sealed goggles count for something more than just lab fashion. Fume hoods become your best friend here. I’ve watched colleagues get instantly teary and short of breath from trace amounts left behind on glassware. It’s a sharp reminder that basic precautions can’t be considered optional.
There’s no magic fix for chemicals like this. Training makes all the difference. Everyone in a workspace should know exactly where the eyewash station is and how to use it before handling things like 2-Bromoacetophenone. Quick response isn’t about bravado—it’s about muscle memory when something goes wrong. Lab spaces need good ventilation, and not just a window cracked open.
Waste disposal matters too. You can’t just flush it down the drain or toss it in regular trash. I’ve watched some dangerous shortcuts and seen the fallout—broken equipment, lost research, and health scares. Hazardous chemicals need proper containers and documented handoffs to professionals who know how to break them down or lock them up safely.
Labels play a silent but powerful role. Every bottle, beaker, and flask with anything close to this compound gets a bold warning sticker. One absent-minded mix-up costs too much.
Most mistakes in chemical handling trace back to distraction or routine cutting into vigilance. I’ve seen safety drills turn an emergency from chaos into a manageable hiccup. Training new staff to respect these risks—through hands-on examples, not just thick manuals—keeps everyone safer and healthier in the long run.
Hazardous chemicals, including 2-Bromoacetophenone, teach humility. I learned it the hard way, and so have many others. Prioritizing safety doesn’t slow down progress. Ironically, it keeps good science moving forward and makes sure everyone goes home in the same shape as they showed up.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 1-(2-Bromophenyl)ethan-1-one |
| Pronunciation | /tuː ˌbroʊmoʊˌæsɪˈtoʊfəˌnoʊn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 70-11-1 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1208730 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:28312 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL81675 |
| ChemSpider | 14219 |
| DrugBank | DB04107 |
| ECHA InfoCard | ECHA InfoCard: 100.004.159 |
| EC Number | 204-867-9 |
| Gmelin Reference | 1537926 |
| KEGG | C08299 |
| MeSH | D015772 |
| PubChem CID | 7413 |
| RTECS number | CQ5250000 |
| UNII | J835A268F7 |
| UN number | UN2539 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C8H7BrO |
| Molar mass | 199.04 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow crystalline solid |
| Odor | Strong, lachrymatory |
| Density | 1.443 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.) |
| Solubility in water | Slightly soluble |
| log P | 1.76 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.04 mmHg (25°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 1.74 |
| Basicity (pKb) | pKb = 5.05 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -63.0×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.574 |
| Viscosity | 1.46 mPa·s (20°C) |
| Dipole moment | 3.1116 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 322.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -45.8 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -3889.2 kJ/mol |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Harmful if swallowed, causes severe skin burns and eye damage, may cause respiratory irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS05, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS06, GHS05 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302, H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P261, P264, P271, P280, P301+P312, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P321, P330, P337+P313, P362, P405, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 3-2-0-W |
| Flash point | Flash point: 110 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 138 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 640 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): 390 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | BZ7440000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | 100 ppm |
