Ethyl 4-Bromobutyrate (CAS 2969-81-5)

Ethyl 4-bromobutyrate, also known as ethyl 4-bromobutanoate or 4-bromobutyric acid ethyl ester, is a high-purity organic synthesis intermediate with CAS number 2969-81-5. This versatile alkylating agent features both a reactive bromine atom and an ester functional group, making it an essential building block in pharmaceutical manufacturing, agrochemical development, and advanced organic chemistry.

Key Chemical Properties

  • Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₁BrO₂
  • Molecular Weight: 195.05 g/mol
  • Appearance: Colorless to light yellow clear liquid
  • Boiling Point: 80–82 °C at 10 mmHg
  • Density: 1.363 g/mL at 25 °C
  • Refractive Index: n²⁰/D 1.456
  • Flash Point: 90.6 °C (195 °F)
  • Purity: Available in ≥98% (GC) technical and high-purity grades

Common Synonyms

  • Ethyl 4-bromobutanoate
  • 4-Bromobutyric acid ethyl ester
  • Ethyl γ-bromobutyrate
  • Butanoic acid, 4-bromo-, ethyl ester

Primary Applications and Uses

Ethyl 4-bromobutyrate serves as a key intermediate in multiple high-value sectors:

  • Pharmaceutical Synthesis: Used to introduce the 4-carbon chain in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) such as intermediates for ezetimibe (hypercholesterolemia treatment), bepotastine (allergy medication), tolvaptan (heart failure drug), tacrolimus-related compounds, and various epilepsy and cardiovascular agents.
  • Agrochemicals: Essential building block for pesticide and herbicide intermediates.
  • Specialty Chemicals: Applied in the synthesis of liquid crystal materials, vat dyes, and complex natural products.
  • Research & Analytical: Employed in ELISA development (e.g., zilpaterol detection) and as a reagent for preparing isosteric heterocyclic compounds and firefly luciferase inhibitors.

Its dual reactivity enables efficient alkylation, cyclization, and chain-extension reactions under mild conditions, delivering high yields in industrial-scale processes.

Product Specifications

Parameter Specification
CAS Number 2969-81-5
Purity (GC) ≥98.0%
Appearance Colorless to light yellow liquid
Moisture ≤0.5%
Acid Value ≤0.5 mg KOH/g
Packaging 25 kg, 200 kg drums or custom
Shelf Life 24 months (proper storage)

Safety and Handling

Ethyl 4-bromobutyrate is a combustible liquid and classified as a skin, eye, and respiratory irritant. Always handle in a well-ventilated area or fume hood. Use chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing. In case of contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice if irritation persists. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from strong bases, oxidizing agents, and direct sunlight. Keep container tightly closed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the CAS number of ethyl 4-bromobutyrate?

A: The CAS registry number is 2969-81-5.

Q2: What is ethyl 4-bromobutyrate mainly used for?

A: It is primarily used as a versatile intermediate in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and specialty chemical synthesis, especially for introducing four-carbon bromoalkyl chains.

Q3: Is ethyl 4-bromobutyrate hazardous?

A: It causes skin and serious eye irritation and may cause respiratory irritation. It is combustible but not highly flammable. Standard laboratory safety protocols and PPE are required.

Q4: How should ethyl 4-bromobutyrate be stored?

A: Store in a cool (2–8 °C recommended for long-term), dry, dark place in tightly sealed original containers. Avoid moisture and strong oxidizers.

Q5: What purity levels are available?

A: Standard technical grade ≥95%, high-purity grade ≥98% (GC), with custom specifications available upon request.

Q6: Can ethyl 4-bromobutyrate be used in GMP pharmaceutical production?

A: Yes, high-purity grades meeting pharmacopeia-related impurity profiles are supplied for regulated pharmaceutical intermediate manufacturing.

Q7: What are the main synonyms for this compound?

A: Ethyl 4-bromobutanoate, 4-bromobutyric acid ethyl ester, and ethyl γ-bromobutyrate.

Q8: Is ethyl 4-bromobutyrate stable under normal conditions?

A: It is stable when stored correctly but sensitive to strong bases and moisture, which may cause hydrolysis of the ester group.

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