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Ethyl bromide chemical structure, C2H5Br, CAS 74-96-4
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

Appearance
Liquid
Melting point
-118.4 °C
Boiling point
38.2 °C
Density
1.4604 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Flash point
-20 °C
HS code
290369
Category
Central nervous system drugs
UN number
UN 1891
Illustrative photo, 200 litre steel drums of liquid in a chemical plant
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Ethyl bromide?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Bromoethane is a bromoalkane that is ethane carrying a bromo substituent. It is an alkylating agent used as a chemical intermediate in various organic syntheses. It has a role as an alkylating agent, a local anaesthetic, a solvent, a carcinogenic agent and a refrigerant. It is a volatile organic compound, a bromohydrocarbon and a bromoalkane.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
bromoethane
CAS number
74-96-4 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
200-825-8
Molecular formula
C2H5Br
UNII
LI8384T9PH
MDL number
MFCD00000232
InChIKey
RDHPKYGYEGBMSE-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C2H5Br/c1-2-3/h2H2,1H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
CCBr

Synonyms

  • Bromoethane
  • 1-Bromoethane
  • Ethane, bromo-
  • Bromic ether
  • Monobromoethane
  • Hydrobromic ether
  • Bromure d'ethyle
  • Etylu bromek
  • Halon 2001
  • Bromoethanum
  • ethylbromide
  • Bromoethane-2-13C
  • Bromo-ethane
  • C2H5Br
  • Bromoethane (ethyl bromide)
  • Bromodiborane
  • bromo ethane
  • 1-bromethane
  • 2-ethyl bromide
  • 1-bromo ethane
  • Et-Br
  • CH3CH2Br
  • 1-Bromo-ethane
  • Bromoethane, reagent grade, 98%
  • Bromoethane, ReagentPlus(R), >=99%
Show all 28 synonyms
  • UN 1891
  • BBX
  • Bromoethane(Discontinued,See C4X-157530)

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Liquidexp.
Odour
Ether-like odorexp.
Taste
Burning tasteexp.
Melting point
-118.4 °Cexp.
Boiling point
38.2 °Cexp.
Density
1.4604 g/cm³ at 20 °Cexp.
Flash point
-20 °Cexp.
Autoignition temperature
511 °Cexp.
Solubility
In water, 9,000 mg/L at 25 °Cexp.
Vapour pressure
467 mm Hg at 25 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
108.97 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
107.9575 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
1.4calc.
Topological polar surface area
0 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
0calc.
Rotatable bonds
0calc.
Heavy atoms
3calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
1calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS02: Flammable
Flammable
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard
330NFPA 704 rating

Hazard statements

  • H225Highly flammable liquid and vapour.
  • H302Harmful if swallowed.
  • H332Harmful if inhaled.
  • H351Suspected of causing cancer.
Precautionary statements (22)
  • P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
  • P233Keep container tightly closed.
  • P240Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
  • P241Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment.
  • P242Use non-sparking tools.
  • P243Take action to prevent static discharges.
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301 + P317If swallowed: Get medical help.
  • P303 + P361 + P353If on skin (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P317Get medical help.
  • P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P370 + P378In case of fire: Use appropriate media to extinguish.
  • P403 + P235Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 1891
Transport hazard class
3
Packing group
II

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Ethyl bromide suppliers

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Where suppliers are based

70 suppliers in 10 countries

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Ethyl bromide price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Ethylating agent in organic synthesis, as refrigerant.

Organic synthesis, ... refrigerant, solvent, grain and fruit fumigant.

The main commercial uses of ethyl bromide at present are as an ethylating agent & as a solvent in the chemical & pharmaceutical industries. Ethyl bromide has been used as a refrigerant. Human exposure to ethyl bromide has occurred during its use as an anesthetic, but widespread use for this purpose has been stopped.

Industrial uses: Intermediate.

Industries and functions

Roles

  • aetiopathogenetic role
  • alkylating agent
  • anaesthetic
  • carcinogenic agent
  • genotoxin
  • local anaesthetic
  • mutagen
  • pharmaceutical
  • refrigerant
  • solvent

How it is made

Made by distilling from a mixture of HBr, ethyl alcohol and H2SO4, ... by phosphorus and bromine method.

Ethyl bromide is produced by refluxing ethanol with hydrobromic acid, or with an alkali bromide and sulfuric acid. The reaction of ethane with sulfur trioxide and potassium bromide at 300-325 °C produces ethyl bromide with a 91% yield based on ethane.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 602-055-00-1

Health and food

  • EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II, prohibited in cosmetics
    Name: Bromoethane (Ethyl bromide), Ref no: 1097, Annex ref: II/1097
  • Active ingredient in FDA approved drug labels

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Ethyl bromide is traded under.

HS 2903.69Indicative HS code

Brominated or iodinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, other

World exports in 2024
$135M
−18.6% vs 2023, imports $139M
2022 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China26.7%
  2. United States26.3%
  3. Netherlands12.3%
Top importers
  1. United States13.2%
  2. India * partner reported9.6%
  3. Japan9.3%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Ethyl bromide is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Ethyl bromide, based on the data on this page

What is Ethyl bromide?

Bromoethane is a bromoalkane that is ethane carrying a bromo substituent. It is an alkylating agent used as a chemical intermediate in various organic syntheses. It has a role as an alkylating agent, a local anaesthetic, a solvent, a carcinogenic agent and a refrigerant.

What is the CAS number of Ethyl bromide?

The CAS registry number of Ethyl bromide is 74-96-4.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Ethyl bromide?

The molecular formula of Ethyl bromide is C2H5Br and its molar mass is 108.97 g/mol.

What is Ethyl bromide used for?

Ethylating agent in organic synthesis, as refrigerant. Organic synthesis, ... refrigerant, solvent, grain and fruit fumigant. The main commercial uses of ethyl bromide at present are as an ethylating agent & as a solvent in the chemical & pharmaceutical industries. Ethyl bromide has been used as a refrigerant.

Is Ethyl bromide hazardous?

Ethyl bromide carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: highly flammable liquid and vapour, harmful if swallowed, harmful if inhaled. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Ethyl bromide?

Ethyl bromide is usually classified under HS code 290369 (Brominated or iodinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, other). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Ethyl bromide?

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Where can I buy Ethyl bromide in India?

18 suppliers in India list Ethyl bromide on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Ethyl bromide?

Suppliers quote Ethyl bromide on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Ethyl bromide

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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