Bromophos-methyl Solution: Properties, Uses & Safety Guide

Bromophos-methyl solution is a certified research-grade organophosphate reference standard widely employed in pesticide residue analysis, environmental monitoring, and method validation workflows.

Chemical Name

O,O-Dimethyl O-(2,5-dichloro-4-bromophenyl) phosphorothioate

CAS Number

2104-96-3

Chemical Class

Organophosphate insecticide

Molecular Formula

C8H8BrCl2O3PS

Primary Application

Pesticide residue reference standard for GC and GC-MS analysis

Storage Condition

Store at 2–8 °C, away from light and moisture (verify with CoA)

Chemical Identity and Physical Properties

Bromophos-methyl (CAS 2104-96-3) is an organophosphorothioate compound belonging to the broad class of organophosphate pesticides. Its systematic IUPAC name is O,O-dimethyl O-(2,5-dichloro-4-bromophenyl) phosphorothioate, and it carries the molecular formula C₈H₈BrCl₂O₃PS with a molecular weight of approximately 366.0 g/mol.

In its pure form, bromophos-methyl is a pale yellow to colorless liquid or low-melting solid. It exhibits low water solubility but is miscible with most common organic solvents such as acetone, toluene, and ethyl acetate, making it well-suited for preparation as a solution standard in these matrices. The compound is moderately stable under ambient conditions but can undergo hydrolysis, particularly under alkaline conditions, yielding non-volatile phosphorothioate by-products.

Note: Specific physical constants (e.g., exact boiling point, density, log P) should be confirmed against the Aladdin product Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or a peer-reviewed physicochemical database.

Research Applications and Analytical Uses

Bromophos-methyl solution is primarily used as a certified reference standard in analytical chemistry and environmental science. Its main research applications include:

• Pesticide Residue Analysis: Used as a spiking standard and calibration reference for quantifying bromophos-methyl residues in food commodities (fruits, vegetables, cereals), soil, and water matrices by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
• Method Development and Validation: Incorporated into multi-residue analytical methods to validate recovery rates, linearity, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ) in accordance with regulatory guidelines (e.g., EU SANTE, EPA, Codex Alimentarius).
• Environmental Monitoring: Employed in environmental fate studies to assess persistence, degradation kinetics, and distribution of organophosphate compounds in soil and aquatic environments.
• Toxicology Research: Used as a biochemical tool to investigate acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition mechanisms characteristic of organophosphate compounds, supporting studies on neurotoxicity and detoxification pathways.

The solution format offers convenience by eliminating the need for weighing toxic solids, reducing exposure risk, and ensuring homogeneity of the prepared standard.

Handling, Storage, and Stability

As an organophosphate compound, bromophos-methyl solution requires careful handling in accordance with standard laboratory safety procedures. Key guidance includes:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear appropriate chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile), laboratory coat, and safety goggles when handling the solution. Work in a well-ventilated fume hood to minimize inhalation exposure.
• Storage: Store tightly sealed in the original container at 2–8 °C (refrigerated), protected from light and moisture. Keep away from heat sources, oxidizing agents, and incompatible bases. Always verify exact storage conditions on the product-specific CoA supplied with each lot.
• Stability: Organophosphate solutions can degrade over time, particularly upon exposure to moisture, elevated temperature, or light. Check the expiry date on each vial label and the CoA before use. Do not use beyond the stated shelf life.
• Waste Disposal: Dispose of all waste solutions and contaminated materials as hazardous chemical waste in compliance with local and national environmental regulations. Do not pour down the drain.

Users should consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by Aladdin Scientific for comprehensive hazard information, first-aid measures, and spill response procedures specific to this product lot.

Quality, Purity, and Regulatory Context

Aladdin Scientific supplies bromophos-methyl solution (SKU: B115372) as a research-grade reagent intended for laboratory use. Each production lot is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) documenting purity, concentration, solvent identity, and analytical test results. Researchers should verify that the product specification meets the requirements of their intended analytical method before use.

Bromophos-methyl was historically registered as an agricultural insecticide in several countries; however, its registration has been withdrawn or is under severe restriction in many jurisdictions (including the European Union) due to environmental persistence and toxicological concerns. As a result, the compound is now primarily relevant in a regulatory and monitoring context—specifically for laboratories conducting compliance testing and residue surveillance programs mandated by food safety authorities.

When used in regulated testing environments (e.g., ISO-accredited or GLP laboratories), users must confirm that the reference standard is traceable to a recognized metrological authority or primary reference material. Always retain CoA documentation for audit purposes.

Regulatory status details should be independently verified with relevant national authorities, as registration status may change. This product is supplied for research and analytical purposes only and is not for use as a commercial pesticide formulation.

Frequently asked questions

What solvent is used in Bromophos-methyl solution (B115372)?

The specific solvent and concentration are detailed on the product Certificate of Analysis (CoA) provided with each lot. Common solvents for organophosphate reference standards include acetonitrile, acetone, or toluene. Please refer to your CoA or contact Aladdin Scientific technical support for lot-specific information.

How should Bromophos-methyl solution be stored to maintain stability?

Bromophos-methyl solution should be stored in a tightly sealed container at 2–8 °C, protected from light, heat, and moisture. Always check the CoA for lot-specific storage instructions and expiry date, and do not use the product beyond its stated shelf life.

Is Bromophos-methyl solution suitable for use as a GC or GC-MS calibration standard?

Yes, research-grade bromophos-methyl solution is commonly employed as a calibration and spiking standard in GC and GC-MS-based pesticide residue methods. Users should verify purity, concentration, and traceability information on the CoA to ensure suitability for their specific regulatory or method requirements.

What safety precautions are required when handling Bromophos-methyl solution?

Handle bromophos-methyl solution in a well-ventilated fume hood while wearing nitrile gloves, a laboratory coat, and safety goggles. As an organophosphate, it poses risks of skin absorption and cholinesterase inhibition. Consult the product SDS from Aladdin Scientific for full hazard, first-aid, and disposal guidance.

Can Bromophos-methyl solution be used for food safety compliance testing?

Bromophos-methyl solution is widely used in laboratories performing pesticide residue surveillance and compliance testing in food matrices. For regulated or accredited testing, users must ensure the standard is traceable to an appropriate metrological reference and that documentation meets audit requirements. Verify acceptability with your accreditation body.

References

1. European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Pesticide residues in food — EU monitoring programs and MRL databases. Available at: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/pesticides
2. FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission. Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides. Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (CCPR).
3. Tomlin C.D.S. (Ed.) The Pesticide Manual, 16th edition. British Crop Protection Council (BCPC), 2012.
4. SANTE/11312/2021. Analytical Quality Control and Method Validation Procedures for Pesticide Residues Analysis in Food and Feed. European Commission, 2021.

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