Bromoform
[CAS# 75-25-2]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Hydrocarbon compounds and their derivatives >> Hydrocarbon halide
• Name: Bromoform
• Synonyms: Tribromide; Tribromomethane
• Molecular Formula: CHBr₃
• Molecular Weight: 252.73
• CAS Registry Number: 75-25-2
• EC Number: 200-854-6
• SMILES: C(Br)(Br)Br

Properties

• Density: 2.894
• Melting point: 5-8 °C
• Boiling point: 146-151 °C
• Refractive index: 1.595-1.5982
• Water solubility: slightly soluble, 0.301 g/100 mL

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS06;GHS07;GHS09 Danger
• Risk Statements: H302-H315-H319-H331-H411
• Safety Statements: P261-P264-P264+P265-P270-P271-P273-P280-P301+P317-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P316-P321-P330-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P391-P403+P233-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H331
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Flammable liquids	Flam. Liq.	3	H226
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1	H314
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2A	H319

• Transport Information: UN 2515

Discovery and Applications

Bromoform, a chemical compound with the formula CHBr₃, is a colorless liquid known for its high density and distinct sweet odor. Discovered in the early 19th century, bromoform is part of the haloalkane family, which consists of organic compounds containing bromine. The first synthesis of bromoform is attributed to the reaction of chloroform with bromine, and it was reported in 1860 by the French chemist Adolphe Wurtz. Bromoform quickly gained attention due to its unique properties and potential applications.

Historically, bromoform was primarily used as a solvent and as a reagent in organic synthesis. Its high density made it suitable for separating organic compounds based on their densities in various extraction processes. Bromoform has been employed in laboratories for the extraction of certain organic compounds and in the analysis of various materials. Its ability to dissolve a wide range of organic compounds facilitated its use in chemical reactions and as a medium for various laboratory procedures.

In addition to its use as a solvent, bromoform has found applications in the field of medicine and biology. It has been utilized in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds and as a reagent in the preparation of brominated organic intermediates. Bromoform's properties make it valuable in the study of biochemical pathways and reactions, particularly in the research of halogenated compounds.

Bromoform has also been used in the production of brominated flame retardants, which are incorporated into various materials to reduce flammability. However, the use of bromoform and other brominated compounds has raised environmental concerns due to their potential persistence in the environment and bioaccumulation in living organisms. Consequently, regulatory measures have been introduced to limit the use of certain brominated flame retardants, including bromoform, in various applications.

In recent years, bromoform has garnered attention in environmental studies, particularly in the context of water pollution and its impact on ecosystems. Bromoform can be a byproduct of chlorination processes in drinking water treatment and can form during the degradation of organic materials in aquatic environments. Researchers have focused on understanding the behavior and fate of bromoform in natural waters, investigating its sources, transformation pathways, and potential ecological effects.

Despite the decline in its use in some applications due to environmental concerns, bromoform remains a compound of interest in various scientific fields. Its unique properties continue to make it relevant in organic synthesis and analytical chemistry. Ongoing research aims to explore safer alternatives while better understanding the environmental implications of bromoform's presence in ecosystems.

In summary, bromoform is a versatile chemical compound that has played a significant role in organic synthesis, analytical chemistry, and environmental studies since its discovery in the 19th century. While its applications have evolved over time, concerns regarding its environmental impact have prompted further investigation and regulatory scrutiny.

References

2000. Measurement of trihalomethanes in potable and recreational waters using solid phase micro extraction with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Chemosphere, 41(9).
DOI: 10.1016/s0045-6535(00)00047-3

2017. Comparative study of the formation of brominated disinfection byproducts in UV/persulfate and UV/H2O2 oxidation processes in the presence of bromide. Environmental science and pollution research international, 24(24).
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9935-z

2001. Experimental Upgrades of Membrane Introduction Mass Spectrometry for Water and Air Analysis. Analytical Chemistry, 73(14).
DOI: 10.1021/ac010249e