BROMOBENZENE Meaning and
Definition
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Bromobenzene is a chemical compound with the formula C6H5Br. It is an aromatic organic compound classified as a halogenated hydrocarbon. The compound consists of a benzene ring with one of the hydrogen atoms substituted by a bromine atom. It appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic sweet odor.
Bromobenzene is primarily used as an intermediate in the synthesis of various organic compounds. It serves as a key reagent in the production of pharmaceuticals, dyes, and flame retardants. In addition, bromobenzene is employed as a solvent, especially in organic chemistry laboratories.
The compound has several important physical and chemical properties. It has a boiling point of 156.2 degrees Celsius and a melting point of -30.8 degrees Celsius. Bromobenzene is slightly soluble in water, but shows considerable solubility in common organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone. It exhibits relatively low toxicity but can have harmful effects on human health if exposed for prolonged periods or in high concentrations.
Chemically, bromobenzene undergoes various reactions due to the presence of the bromine atom. It participates in substitution reactions, serving as a source of the bromine radical. Furthermore, it can be subject to various reactions such as oxidation, reduction, and coupling reactions to form different products.
Overall, bromobenzene is a useful compound in both laboratory and industrial settings due to its versatile applications and reactivity.
Etymology of BROMOBENZENE
The word "bromobenzene" is derived from its chemical composition and structure.
The term "bromo-" indicates the presence of a single bromine atom in the compound. "Bromo" comes from the Greek word "bromos", meaning stench or bad smell, which is appropriate as bromine compounds tend to have a strong smell.
The term "benzene" refers to the six-carbon aromatic ring structure that forms the core of the molecule. "Benzene" is derived from "benzoin", a resinous substance obtained from certain trees, which itself is named after the German word "Benzoe" for the same material. The name "benzene" was given to the compound due to its original isolation from benzoin.
Therefore, the word "bromobenzene" indicates a compound with a benzene ring substituted with a bromine atom.
