Sodium 2-bromoethanesulphonate stands out as a useful organobromine compound with the molecular formula C2H4BrNaO3S. The chemical structure features a bromo atom linked to the second carbon of an ethanesulfonate backbone, paired with sodium as the counterion. Its surface tells a story of modern chemistry, where ethane’s simplicity merges with bromine’s reactivity and the sulfonate group’s strong water affinity. Manufacturers and researchers look to this compound as a starting point for a wide spread of syntheses, particularly in the pharmaceutical and fine chemical sectors. There’s no escaping the reliance on this compound for introducing both the bromo and sulfonate functionalities within organic frameworks, allowing further reactions that attach or modify other chemical groups. Its applications stretch from the lab bench to full-scale production, where predictable physical properties and ease of handling matter for safety, efficiency, and product consistency.
Physical characteristics depend on storage conditions and production methods, but sodium 2-bromoethanesulphonate appears frequently as colorless to white crystals, flakes, or a fine powder. Some suppliers offer it in pearl form, though granular and crystalline appearances dominate commercial shipments. The touch brings a gritty feel between the fingers, and the compound gives off no noticeable odor. Unlike volatile organics, this material keeps steady as a solid under ambient conditions. Chemists appreciate the option to prepare concentrated aqueous solutions, thanks to its strong water solubility—a trait that pushes it ahead in reactivity, particularly in nucleophilic substitution reactions where liquid handling steps become safer and faster. Specific gravity comes in at about 1.8 g/cm³, so containers packed with this material don’t surprise with unexpected bulk or flow issues. Its melting point sits around 280°C, above which decomposition steps in, so heat stability remains high for most technical uses.
A look under the hood reveals a small molecule, with the bromo group (Br) attached at the second carbon (C2) of ethane. A sulfonic acid group (SO3Na) takes the terminal position, conferring negative charge and strong ionic behavior. Its formula, C2H4BrNaO3S, and molar mass of about 227.01 g/mol influence reactivity and solvation patterns in both water and some polar organics. Density usually measures above 1.7 g/cm³, lending a weight that can be felt when scooping samples or charging reactors. Commercial specifications typically set purity at or above 98%, low moisture content, and minimal residual organics or metal ions. This gives chemists confidence in the repeatability and selectivity of subsequent reactions. Reliable batch certificates document every shipment and serve as a resource for compliance in regulated markets. Trust flows from transparent test results and clear specification.
Most suppliers recommend keeping sodium 2-bromoethanesulphonate in tightly sealed containers, away from moisture and strong bases, to prevent hydrolysis or side reactions. Containers—often HDPE, glass, or lined drums—stabilize the compound against light and dust. Clean drum liners preserve the original state of the crystals or flakes, which avoids caking and preserves flowability. Packaging adapts to the end-user’s process, whether flask, liter jug, or multi-kilogram drum, giving flexibility to labs or bulk producers alike. In everyday use, powders or flakes disperse into solutions quickly, and operators quickly learn to weigh and dissolve the material using standard laboratory techniques. Handling protocols push for protective gloves, goggles, and dust masks, not just for comfort but to avoid skin or respiratory irritation—the legacy of sulfonate chemistry that still calls for respect.
Every chemical brings a risk profile, and sodium 2-bromoethanesulphonate isn’t free from health or environmental precautions. Labels warn against inhaling the powder, as fine particles can irritate mucous membranes or trigger asthma in sensitive individuals. Skin contact sometimes causes redness or itching, and ingestion—intentional or accidental—prompts a call to poison control. The bromo and sulfonate groups both carry environmental weight, so wastewater must meet local regulations before downstream disposal. On the safety data sheet, hazard statements identify it as harmful if swallowed or inhaled, and eye protection consistently cuts down on accidental exposure. In the plant, workers bag up spent material for registered waste streams, and emergency spill kits stand ready for accidental releases. This careful documentation aligns with both good manufacturing practices and personal experience from moments when chemical dust catches the throat or makes the eyes sting. The HS Code for this compound, 29049090, places it within the class of other organosulfur and organobromine raw materials, easing global trade—yet this ease never substitutes for real-world caution on every shift.
Sodium 2-bromoethanesulphonate claims its place as both an intermediate and a reagent. In my own lab days, the ability to bring a bromo group and sulfonate group to a molecule in a single step often saved time and money. The material’s robust nature allowed for scaling up pilot reactions with minimal fear of runaway decomposition or unpredictable side reactions. In specialty manufacturing, this compound transforms into building blocks for antibiotics, dyes, and surface-active agents. Its high reactivity—centered on the bromo group—makes it ideal for producing quaternary ammonium salts and other functionalized molecules. Industrial users see it as a smart way to introduce controlled levels of bromo functionality, driving specific and reliable outcomes in downstream synthesis. Traceability, batch-to-batch consistency, and accessible certificates make regulatory filings much easier, especially for pharmaceutical and agrochemical uses where every contaminant matters.
Operations that choose sodium 2-bromoethanesulphonate quickly find that safe handling, predictable sourcing, and disciplined waste treatment set them apart. By lifting packaging standards, using lined drums or moisture-lock bags, and using continuous training, businesses protect both workers and products. Disposal plans built on separation and chemical neutralization address the environmental side, especially as local wastewater regulations tighten and societal expectations climb. Procurement teams who cross-check certificates, due diligence on purity, and long-term supplier reliability, keep plants running without unplanned interruptions. On the factory floor, feedback loops—where chemists note ease of weighing, mixing, and dissolution—feed into procurement choices, as no one wants a sticky, dusty mess or unpredictable reactivity. Global supply chains see regulatory compliance wrapped up in clear HS Code identification and export documentation, smoothing out customs and reducing costly delays. Each detail, from density test to hazard labeling, stacks up to a culture where every kilogram contributes to reliable, safe, on-spec production—where chemical know-how, practical training, and current best practices give operations the edge.
