Tetrabromoethane

Tetrabromoethane
IUPAC name 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane[1]
Other names Acetylene tetrabromide[2] Muthmann's liquid[citation needed]
Identifiers
Abbreviations	TBE[2]
CAS number	79-27-6 Y
PubChem	6588
ChemSpider	6339 Y
EC number	201-191-5
UN number	2504
MeSH	1,1,2,2-tetrabromoethane
RTECS number	KI8225000
Beilstein Reference	1098321
Jmol-3D images	Image 1
SMILES BrC(Br)C(Br)Br
InChI InChI=1S/C2H2Br4/c3-1(4)2(5)6/h1-2H Y Key: QXSZNDIIPUOQMB-UHFFFAOYSA-N Y
Properties
Molecular formula	C2H2Br4
Molar mass	345.65 g mol−1
Appearance	Colourless liquid
Density	2.967 g mL−1
Melting point	−1.0 °C; 30.3 °F; 272.2 K
Boiling point	243.6 °C; 470.4 °F; 516.7 K
Solubility in water	630 mg L−1 (at 20 °C)
Vapor pressure	10 Pa (at 20 °C)
Refractive index (nD)	1.637
Thermochemistry
Specific heat capacity, C	165.7 J K−1 mol−1
Hazards
MSDS	hells-confetti.com
GHS pictograms
GHS signal word	DANGER
GHS hazard statements	H319, H330, H412
GHS precautionary statements	P260, P273, P284, P305+351+338, P310
EU Index	602-016-00-9
EU classification	T+
R-phrases	R26, R36, R52/53
S-phrases	(S1/2), S24, S27, S45
NFPA 704	1 3 1
Flash point	97 °C; 207 °F; 370 K
Autoignition temperature	335 °C; 635 °F; 608 K
LD50	1.2 g kg−1 (oral, rat) 5.25 g kg−1 (dermal, rat)
Related compounds
Related alkanes	Dibromomethane Bromoform Tetrabromomethane 1,1-Dibromoethane 1,2-Dibromoethane 1,2-Dibromopropane 1,3-Dibromopropane 1,2,3-Tribromopropane
Y (verify) (what is: Y/N?) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C (77 °F), 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Tetrabromoethane (TBE) is a halogenated hydrocarbon, chemical formula C₂H₂Br₄. Although three bromine atoms may bind to one of the carbon atoms creating 1,1,1,2-tetrabromoethane this is not thermodynamically favorable, so in practice tetrabromoethane is equal to 1,1,2,2-tetrabromoethane, where each carbon atom binds two bromine atoms.

It has an unusually high density for an organic compound, near 3 g/mL, due largely to the four bromine atoms.^[3] TBE is a liquid at room temperature, and is used to separate mineral ores from its supporting rock by means of preferential flotation. Sand, limestone, dolomite, and other types of rock material will float on TBE, while minerals such as sphalerite, galena and pyrite will sink. A related compound, bromoform, is also sometimes used in these applications, however, TBE is more practical because of its wider liquid range and lower vapor pressure.^[3] Acute TBE poisoning has been known to occur.^[4]

References