Benzyl bromide

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Benzyl bromide
Skeletal structure of the benzyl bromide molecule3D structure of the benzyl bromide molecule
Chemical name Bromomethylbenzene
Chemical formula C7H7Br
Molecular mass 171.04 g/mol
CAS number [100-39-0]
Density 1.430 g/cm³
Melting point -3 °C
Boiling point 198-199 °C
SMILES BrCC1=CC=CC=C1
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Benzyl bromide, or α-bromotoluene, is an organic compound consisting of a benzene ring substituted with a bromomethyl group. It can be prepared by the bromination of toluene at room temperature in air, using manganese(IV) oxide as a heterogeneous catalyst. It is a colorless liquid that is decomposed slowly in water.

Benzyl bromide is used in organic synthesis for the introduction of the benzyl protecting group for alcohols and carboxylic acids.

Benzyl bromide is a strong lachrymator and is also intensely irritating to skin and mucous membranes. Because of these properties, it has been used as a war gas.

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