1,4-Dibromopentane with CAS number 626-87-9 is an aliphatic compound carrying two bromine atoms at the 1 and 4 positions of a five-carbon chain, which produces a difunctional reagent with a primary bromide at one end and a secondary bromide at the other. This difference in the environment of the two ends is precisely what makes it an interesting building block in organic synthesis. In the laboratory, the compound is used as a double alkylating agent to construct rings, extend carbon chains, and prepare intermediates that require the insertion of a methyl-branched pentane skeleton.
The characteristic that gives this material its value is its ability to undergo two nucleophilic substitution reactions at the same nucleophilic centre, so that a ring is formed intramolecularly. When reacted with a primary amine, for example, both bromide ends can bond to the same nitrogen atom and produce a five-membered nitrogen-containing ring bearing a methyl substituent. The primary bromide reacts more rapidly than the secondary bromide, so the order of reaction can be exploited to obtain the mono-substituted product first when conditions are properly controlled.
In Indonesian laboratories, this material is typically found in university organic synthesis groups, research institutes, and industrial R&D units that build molecular scaffolds from smaller fragments. It is normally used in bench-scale reactions where a defined difunctional reagent is needed to close a ring or to lengthen a carbon framework, and it is generally kept as part of a standing collection of building blocks so that synthetic routes can be planned without waiting on external sourcing for each individual step.
- Intramolecular ring closure — the two bromide ends can attack the same nucleophilic centre in sequence, allowing a ring to be formed in a single controlled operation.
- Synthesis of nitrogen heterocycles — reaction with a primary amine binds both bromide ends to one nitrogen atom, yielding a five-membered nitrogen ring bearing a methyl substituent.
- Double alkylation of nucleophiles — the difunctional structure supplies two reactive sites, making it suitable when a substrate must be alkylated twice with a single reagent.
- Carbon chain extension — the five-carbon backbone lets synthetic chemists lengthen an existing framework while introducing a methyl-branched pentane unit into the target molecule.
- Selective mono-substitution work — the faster reaction of the primary bromide over the secondary bromide allows chemists to stop at the mono-substituted intermediate under controlled conditions.
| Brand | TCI |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 626-87-9 |
| Molecular formula | — |
| Purity | — |
| Category | Chemistry > Building Blocks > Non-Heterocyclic Building Blocks |
| Pack sizes | available in the standard laboratory pack sizes offered by the manufacturer; storage according to the manufacturer's stated conditions |
| Physical form | — |
| Storage | — |
- Product code: D1408
- Chemical name: 1,4-Dibromopentane
Store the material in its original tightly closed container, kept upright in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep it separated from strong nucleophiles, strong bases, and oxidising agents. As an organobromine alkylating reagent, it should be handled only in a functioning fume hood with appropriate personal protective equipment, including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and a laboratory coat. Avoid contact with skin and eyes and avoid inhaling vapours. Transfer with clean dry glassware, reseal the container promptly after use, and dispose of residues and contaminated materials in accordance with the chemical waste procedures applicable in your laboratory.
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