558-13-4 Usage
Description
Carbon tetrabromide, also known as tetrabromomethane, is a colorless crystalline solid that is much denser than water and insoluble in water. It is a highly toxic chemical compound with a slight odor, and it is considered a potent lachrymator even at low exposure concentrations. It is a one-carbon compound substituted by four bromo groups (ChEBI: A one-carbon compound substituted by 4 bromo groups).
Uses
1. Used in Organic Synthesis:
Carbon tetrabromide is used to a limited extent as a chemical intermediate in organic synthesis. It is employed for various applications in the production of other chemicals.
2. Used in Chemical Intermediates Industry:
Carbon tetrabromide is used as a chemical intermediate for the production and use in organic syntheses, which may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams.
3. Isolated from Red Algae:
It has been isolated from red algae, Asparagopsis toxiformis, found in the ocean near Hawaii, indicating its presence in the natural environment.
4. Detected in Treated Chlorinated Seawater:
Carbon tetrabromide was detected in water from treated chlorinated seawater used for drinking at oil platforms, suggesting its potential impact on drinking water sources.
5. Occupational Exposure:
Occupational exposure to carbon tetrabromide may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where it is produced or used.
6. General Population Exposure:
The general population may be exposed to carbon tetrabromide via ingestion of drinking water, which could lead to potential health risks.
Air & Water Reactions
Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
Carbon tetrabromide is incompatible with the following: Strong oxidizers, hexacyclohexyldilead, lithium .
Hazard
A poison; narcotic in high concentration.
Liver damage, eye, skin, and upper respiratory tract
irritant.
Health Hazard
Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.
Fire Hazard
Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways.
Safety Profile
Poison by
subcutaneous and intravenous routes.
Narcotic in high concentration. Mixture
with Li particles is an impact-sensitive
explosive. Explodes on contact with
hexacyclohexylddead. When heated to
decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Br-.
See also CHLORINATED
HYDROCARBONS, ALIPHATIC.
Potential Exposure
CBr4 is used in organic synthesis.
Environmental Fate
Carbon tetrabromide inhibits protein synthesis and causes
lipid peroxidation, both of which may be involved in cell injury
or death mediated by free radicals.
Shipping
UN2516 Carbon tetrabromide, Hazard Class:
6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials.
Purification Methods
Reactive bromide is removed from CBr4 by refluxing with dilute aqueous Na2CO3, then steam distilling, crystallising from EtOH, and drying in the dark under vacuum. [Sharpe & Walker J Chem Soc 157 1962.] It can be sublimed at 70o and low pressure. [Beilstein 1 IV 85.]
Toxicity evaluation
Carbon tetrabromide is a colorless nonflammable solid at
room temperature. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in several organic solvents such as alcohol, ether, and chloroform.
Its specific gravity is 3.42, melting point is 90°C, boiling point
is 189°C, and vapor pressure is 0.72 torr at 25°C. Production
and use of carbon tetrabromide may result in its release in the
environment through various hazardous waste streams.
Carbon tetrabromide is expected to have very high mobility in
soil and volatilizes slowly from dry soil surface. Its biodegradation
is expected to be slow and to exist solely as a vapor in
the ambient atmosphere. It is not expected to adsorb to suspended
solids and sediment in the water column. Its potential
for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate.
Incompatibilities
Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates,
nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine,
bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases,
strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides, lithium and hexacyclohexyldiilead, since violent reactions may occur.
Waste Disposal
Purify by distillation and
return to suppliers.
Check Digit Verification of cas no
The CAS Registry Mumber 558-13-4 includes 6 digits separated into 3 groups by hyphens. The first part of the number,starting from the left, has 3 digits, 5,5 and 8 respectively; the second part has 2 digits, 1 and 3 respectively.
Calculate Digit Verification of CAS Registry Number 558-13:
(5*5)+(4*5)+(3*8)+(2*1)+(1*3)=74
74 % 10 = 4
So 558-13-4 is a valid CAS Registry Number.
InChI:InChI=1/CBr4/c2-1(3,4)5
558-13-4Relevant articles and documents
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Woodward,Fuson
, p. 3472,3474 (1933)
-
-
Bolas,Groves
, p. 773 (1871)
-
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Bolas,Groves
, (1870)
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Goldhaber et al.
, p. 2271,2272 (1951)
Gas-phase radiosynthesis of [11C]methyl bromide: The new route to [11C]methyl triflate
Mock,Mulholland,Vavrek
, p. S135-S137 (2007/10/03)
-
Fluoride anion catalyzed halogen dance in polyhalomethanes
Sasson, Y.,Kitson, F.,Webster, O, W.
, p. 599 - 600 (2007/10/02)
Tetrabutylammonium fluoride catalyzes the exchange of halogens between tetrahalomethanes.The presence of small amounts of haloform is suspected to be a necessary co-catalyst.Key Words: tetrabutyl ammonium fluoride; tetrahalomethanes; halogen exchange in.
