13-Bromo-1-tridecanol: Properties, Uses & Handling FAQs

13-Bromo-1-tridecanol is a bifunctional long-chain aliphatic compound bearing a terminal hydroxyl group at C-1 and a terminal bromo substituent at C-13, making it a versatile building block for organic synthesis and surface-functionalization chemistry.

CAS / Product SKU

B348806 (Aladdin SKU); also referenced as Santa Cruz sc-265118

Molecular Formula

C13H27BrO

Molecular Weight

Approximately 279.26 g/mol (flag for verification)

Functional Groups

Terminal alkyl bromide (C-13) and primary alcohol (C-1)

Chain Length

13-carbon aliphatic backbone (tridecyl)

Appearance

Typically a white to off-white solid or waxy solid at room temperature (flag for verification)

Primary Applications

Bifunctional linker synthesis, self-assembled monolayer (SAM) formation, polymer end-group modification

What Is 13-Bromo-1-tridecanol and Why Is It Used?

13-Bromo-1-tridecanol is an α,ω-difunctionalized C13 alkane carrying a primary alcohol at one terminus and an alkyl bromide at the other. This combination of two orthogonally reactive groups within a single flexible chain makes it exceptionally useful as a heterobifunctional linker or spacer molecule in organic and materials chemistry.

The hydroxyl group can engage in esterification, etherification, urethane formation, or coupling reactions, while the alkyl bromide serves as an electrophilic handle for nucleophilic substitution (S_N2), Grignard preparation, or radical reactions. Together, they allow chemists to connect two structurally different chemical entities through a defined hydrophobic spacer.

Typical research applications include construction of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold or silicon surfaces, synthesis of macrocyclic compounds, polymer chain-end functionalization, and preparation of more complex bifunctional intermediates for drug-delivery or materials-science studies.

Purity, Grade and Specification Guidance

Aladdin Scientific supplies 13-Bromo-1-tridecanol under SKU B348806. Researchers should consult the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) shipped with each lot for the definitive purity figure, as specifications may vary between production lots.

For most synthetic applications, reagent-grade material with purity ≥95% (as determined by GC or HPLC) is sufficient. If the compound is to be used in surface-science experiments requiring highly ordered SAMs, higher purity (≥98%) is recommended to minimize defect formation caused by impurities intercalating in the monolayer.

Key quality attributes to verify on the CoA include: assay (%), water content (Karl Fischer), appearance, and identity confirmation by ¹H NMR or MS. Contact Aladdin Scientific customer support if you require a CoA for a specific lot number.

Storage, Stability and Safe Handling

Storage: Store 13-Bromo-1-tridecanol in a tightly sealed container, protected from light and moisture, at 2–8 °C or as specified on the product label. Under proper conditions the compound is expected to be stable for an extended period; however, alkyl bromides can undergo slow elimination or hydrolysis on prolonged exposure to moisture, heat, or light.

Safe handling: Treat this compound as a potential irritant. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE): nitrile gloves, safety glasses, and a lab coat. Work in a well-ventilated area or fume hood. Alkyl bromides are generally considered mild lachrymators; avoid inhalation of vapors or dust.

Disposal: Dispose of waste in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations for halogenated organic compounds. Consult your institution's Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) office for guidance. Always refer to the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for authoritative hazard and first-aid information before use.

Ordering, Shipping and Returns

How to order: 13-Bromo-1-tridecanol (SKU B348806) can be ordered directly through the Aladdin Scientific website. Add the product to your cart, select the desired pack size and quantity, and proceed through the standard checkout process. Purchase orders (POs) are accepted from qualified institutions.

Shipping: The compound is typically shipped at ambient or cold-pack temperature depending on the destination and season. Aladdin Scientific follows all applicable regulations for the transport of chemical reagents. Delivery timelines vary by region; estimated shipping times are displayed at checkout.

Returns and refunds: If the product arrives damaged or does not match the listed specification, contact Aladdin Scientific customer support within the stipulated return window (refer to the Returns & Refunds policy on the website). Lot-specific CoA documentation should be retained as proof of specification.

Synthetic Applications and Literature Context

The α-hydroxy-ω-bromoalkane scaffold represented by 13-Bromo-1-tridecanol has appeared in synthetic routes targeting several compound classes. The C13 chain length provides a hydrophobic spacer of sufficient length to adopt ordered conformations on surfaces (e.g., in thiol-terminated SAM precursor synthesis after bromide displacement with thioacetate or thiosulfate).

In macrocyclic and supramolecular chemistry, bifunctional chains of this type serve as tethers that allow ring-closure metathesis or macrolactonization reactions to proceed at defined distances. In polymer chemistry, they are used as chain-transfer agents or telechelic monomer precursors where independent control of both chain ends is required.

Researchers are encouraged to search primary literature databases (e.g., SciFinder, Reaxys, PubChem) using the compound name or molecular formula C13H27BrO to identify specific protocols. Aladdin Scientific does not warrant fitness for any specific application; users should validate conditions in their own laboratory.

Frequently asked questions

What is the molecular formula and molecular weight of 13-Bromo-1-tridecanol?

The molecular formula of 13-Bromo-1-tridecanol is C13H27BrO, corresponding to an approximate molecular weight of 279.26 g/mol. Researchers should verify the exact value against the CoA or a reliable chemical database such as PubChem before use in stoichiometric calculations.

How should 13-Bromo-1-tridecanol be stored to ensure long-term stability?

Store the compound in a tightly sealed, light-resistant container at 2–8 °C and away from moisture. Alkyl bromides are susceptible to slow hydrolysis or elimination if exposed to water, heat, or light over extended periods. Always check the product label and SDS for the most current storage recommendations.

What are the main synthetic uses of 13-Bromo-1-tridecanol in research?

13-Bromo-1-tridecanol is primarily used as a bifunctional building block in organic synthesis. Key applications include preparation of self-assembled monolayer (SAM) precursors on metal or oxide surfaces, synthesis of macrocyclic structures via ring-closure reactions, polymer chain-end functionalization, and as a long-chain spacer in drug-delivery linker chemistry. The terminal alcohol and alkyl bromide allow independent derivatization of each chain end.

Can I request a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for SKU B348806?

Yes. A lot-specific Certificate of Analysis is available for B348806. You can request it through the Aladdin Scientific website product page by entering your lot number, or by contacting our customer support team directly. The CoA will include assay purity, appearance, and identity test results.

Is 13-Bromo-1-tridecanol hazardous, and what PPE is required?

Like most alkyl bromides, 13-Bromo-1-tridecanol should be treated as a potential irritant to skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract. Wear nitrile gloves, safety glasses, and a lab coat, and handle the compound in a well-ventilated fume hood. Consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete hazard classification, first-aid measures, and disposal requirements before working with this material.

What is the difference between 13-Bromo-1-tridecanol and similar bromoalcohol compounds such as 11-bromoundecanol or 12-bromododecanol?

The primary difference is chain length: 13-Bromo-1-tridecanol has a 13-carbon backbone, whereas 11-bromoundecanol and 12-bromododecanol have 11 and 12 carbons, respectively. Chain length influences the physical properties (melting point, solubility), the degree of hydrophobicity, and the quality of self-assembled monolayers formed on surfaces. Longer chains generally produce more densely packed and better-ordered SAMs. The choice between homologs depends on the specific geometric or spacing requirements of the target application.

References

1. PubChem Compound Summary for 13-Bromo-1-tridecanol, C13H27BrO. National Library of Medicine. (Verification recommended for CAS number, MW and physical data.)
2. Ulman, A. Formation and Structure of Self-Assembled Monolayers. Chemical Reviews, 1996, 96(4), 1533–1554. (General reference for SAM chemistry; specific applicability to this compound needs verification.) doi:10.1021/cr9502357
3. Santa Cruz Biotechnology product reference sc-265118 for 13-Bromo-1-tridecanol. (Cross-reference only; full specification from Aladdin CoA takes precedence.)

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.