4'-Methoxyphenacyl Bromide with CAS number 2632-13-5 is a non-heterocyclic building block from TCI that belongs to the class of aromatic alpha-bromoketones. The molecule consists of a methoxy-substituted benzene ring connected to a carbonyl group, with a bromine atom bound to the alpha carbon adjacent to that carbonyl. This arrangement makes the compound a highly reactive alkylating reagent, widely used in organic synthesis laboratories as well as in analytical laboratories for the derivatization of target compounds.
The property that makes this material a preferred choice is its high reactivity at the alpha carbon. The bromine atom is an excellent leaving group, while the neighbouring carbonyl group activates that position toward nucleophilic attack, so substitution reactions proceed rapidly with sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen nucleophiles. The methoxy group on the ring contributes electron density and at the same time provides a chromophore that absorbs strongly in the ultraviolet region, a property that is very useful when the compound is used to label analytes so that they are easily detected.
Its solid form makes weighing straightforward, although it should be remembered that compounds of this class are strong irritants. Laboratories in Indonesia typically employ this building block in university and institutional synthesis work, in research groups preparing intermediates for heterocyclic and pharmaceutical chemistry, and in analytical laboratories that prepare UV-detectable derivatives for chromatographic work. It is handled as a routine bench reagent under normal laboratory controls.
- Nucleophilic substitution reactions: the alpha carbon bearing bromine reacts rapidly with sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen nucleophiles, giving reliable and fast conversion in routine synthetic steps.
- Derivatization for analysis: the methoxyphenacyl group attaches a strong ultraviolet chromophore to target analytes, making otherwise weakly absorbing compounds far easier to detect during instrumental analysis.
- Preparation of synthetic intermediates: as a non-heterocyclic building block, it introduces a substituted aryl ketone fragment into larger target molecules during multi-step organic synthesis campaigns.
- Alkylation of thiols and amines: the excellent leaving-group character of bromine allows the reagent to alkylate sulfur and nitrogen centres efficiently under mild laboratory conditions.
- Teaching and research in organic chemistry: its solid form and predictable alpha-carbon reactivity make it a convenient reagent for demonstrating carbonyl-activated substitution chemistry in laboratory practice.
| Brand | TCI |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 2632-13-5 |
| Molecular formula | — |
| Purity | — |
| Category | Chemistry > Building Blocks > Non-Heterocyclic Building Blocks |
| Pack sizes | available in the pack sizes listed for this catalogue item |
| Physical form | solid |
| Storage | keep in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry place away from moisture and incompatible chemicals |
- Chemical class: aromatic alpha-bromoketone, non-heterocyclic building block
Store the container tightly closed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and incompatible materials such as strong bases and strong oxidising agents. Keep the compound in its original tightly sealed container, or in a clean glass container with a chemically resistant closure, clearly labelled and held in a designated chemical storage cabinet. Because compounds of this class are strong irritants, all weighing and transfer operations should be carried out in a fume hood while wearing safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, and a laboratory coat. Avoid contact with skin and eyes and avoid breathing any dust generated during handling. Close the container immediately after use and dispose of residues and contaminated materials in accordance with the laboratory's chemical waste procedures.
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