Tetrabutylammonium Dichlorobromide: Uses, Safety & FAQs

Tetrabutylammonium Dichlorobromide is a stable, solid-phase electrophilic halogenation reagent that serves as a convenient and safe bromine equivalent for a range of organic synthesis transformations.

Chemical Name

Tetrabutylammonium Dichlorobromide

SKU / Product Code

T162433

Reagent Class

Electrophilic halogenation reagent (bromine equivalent)

Physical Form

Solid (crystalline powder)

Key Advantage

Easier and safer to handle than liquid bromine while delivering comparable reactivity

Supplier

Aladdin Scientific (SKU: T162433)

What Is Tetrabutylammonium Dichlorobromide?

Tetrabutylammonium Dichlorobromide (TBADCB) is a quaternary ammonium interhalogen salt composed of a tetrabutylammonium cation paired with a dichlorobromide anion (BrCl₂⁻). The reagent acts as a solid, bench-stable source of electrophilic bromine, making it a practical alternative to liquid bromine (Br₂) or N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) in laboratory synthesis. Because it is a crystalline solid at room temperature, it can be weighed accurately on a standard analytical balance, minimising the handling hazards associated with volatile liquid bromine.

The dichlorobromide anion is the active halogenating species; upon reaction with a suitable substrate, it delivers electrophilic bromine while generating chloride by-products. This mode of reactivity positions TBADCB as a versatile reagent for electrophilic aromatic substitution, bromination of alkenes, and related transformations.

Key Applications in Organic Synthesis

Tetrabutylammonium Dichlorobromide finds use across several classes of synthetic transformations:

• Electrophilic Aromatic Bromination: TBADCB can brominate electron-rich aromatic rings under mild conditions, offering selectivity comparable to molecular bromine but with improved handling characteristics.
• Bromination of Alkenes and Alkynes: The reagent adds across carbon–carbon multiple bonds to furnish vicinal dihalides or vinyl halides, depending on reaction conditions.
• Alpha-Bromination of Carbonyl Compounds: Ketones, esters, and related substrates can be alpha-brominated selectively, a transformation useful in the preparation of alpha-halo carbonyl building blocks for further elaboration.
• Oxidative Halogenation: TBADCB can participate in oxidative processes where controlled delivery of electrophilic halogen is required.

The solid form of the reagent facilitates accurate stoichiometric control, which is especially valuable in multi-step synthesis where excess halogen can cause over-halogenation or side reactions.

Handling, Storage and Safety Considerations

Although Tetrabutylammonium Dichlorobromide is significantly safer to handle than liquid bromine, researchers should observe standard laboratory precautions for reactive halogenating agents:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear appropriate chemical-resistant gloves, a laboratory coat, and safety goggles. Work in a well-ventilated fume hood to avoid inhalation of any vapours generated during weighing or reaction.
• Storage: Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location away from moisture, reducing agents, and incompatible organic materials. Confirm specific storage temperature recommendations on the product SDS provided by Aladdin Scientific.
• Stability: As a solid reagent, TBADCB is more shelf-stable than molecular bromine; however, prolonged exposure to moisture or light may cause decomposition. Check lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for purity data.
• Waste Disposal: Dispose of halogen-containing waste in accordance with local environmental regulations. Consult your institution's Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) guidelines.

Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for authoritative hazard, first-aid, and disposal information before use.

Ordering and Specifications at Aladdin Scientific

Tetrabutylammonium Dichlorobromide is available from Aladdin Scientific under SKU T162433. When placing an order or evaluating the product, consider the following:

• Purity and Grade: Check the current Certificate of Analysis (CoA) on the Aladdin Scientific website for lot-specific purity, appearance, and analytical data. The reagent is intended for research use only and is not for diagnostic, therapeutic, or food use.
• Available Pack Sizes: Contact Aladdin Scientific or visit the product page for current pack-size options and pricing. Bulk quantities may be available on request.
• Documentation: SDS, CoA, and structural data are available for download on the product page. Procurement teams can request formal quotations through the Aladdin Scientific website or by contacting customer service.
• Shipping: As a halogen-containing reagent, check applicable transport regulations (IATA, IMDG, or ground transport classifications) before shipping. Aladdin Scientific's logistics team can advise on compliant packaging and carrier requirements.

Frequently asked questions

What is Tetrabutylammonium Dichlorobromide used for in organic synthesis?

Tetrabutylammonium Dichlorobromide functions as a solid, electrophilic bromine-equivalent reagent used for the bromination of aromatic compounds, alkenes, alkynes, and alpha positions of carbonyl compounds. Its solid form offers more precise stoichiometric control and safer handling compared to liquid bromine. It is widely adopted in laboratory-scale synthesis where selective and controlled halogenation is required.

How does Tetrabutylammonium Dichlorobromide compare to liquid bromine or NBS?

Unlike liquid bromine, Tetrabutylammonium Dichlorobromide is a stable crystalline solid that can be weighed precisely, reducing the risk of spills and toxic vapour exposure. Compared to N-bromosuccinimide (NBS), it provides a different reactivity profile through the dichlorobromide anion, which may offer complementary selectivity for certain substrates. The choice between these reagents depends on substrate structure, desired selectivity, and reaction conditions.

What are the recommended storage conditions for Tetrabutylammonium Dichlorobromide?

Tetrabutylammonium Dichlorobromide should be stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from moisture, light, and incompatible materials such as reducing agents. Always refer to the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from Aladdin Scientific for lot-specific storage temperature and handling guidance.

Is Tetrabutylammonium Dichlorobromide suitable for large-scale or industrial synthesis?

Tetrabutylammonium Dichlorobromide is primarily used for research and laboratory-scale synthesis. For large-scale or industrial applications, feasibility should be assessed on a case-by-case basis, considering reagent cost, safety regulations, and waste disposal requirements for halogen-containing by-products. Contact Aladdin Scientific to enquire about bulk availability and pricing for scale-up needs.

How can I obtain the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for T162433?

The Safety Data Sheet and Certificate of Analysis for Tetrabutylammonium Dichlorobromide (SKU: T162433) are available for download directly from the product page on the Aladdin Scientific website. If you require a lot-specific CoA or additional documentation, please contact Aladdin Scientific customer service with your order or lot number.

References

1. Aladdin Scientific. Tetrabutylammonium Dichlorobromide, SKU T162433. Product page and Safety Data Sheet.
2. March, J. Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Structure. 4th ed. Wiley, 1992. (General reference for electrophilic halogenation reactions.)

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