BROMOACETONE

Chemical properties

Colorless liquid when pure, rapidly becomes violet even in absence of air. Soluble in ace- tone, alcohol, benzene, and ether; slightly soluble in water.

The Uses of BROMOACETONE

Chemical war gas.

Definition

ChEBI: An alpha-bromoketone that is acetone in which one of the hydrogens is replaced by a bromine atom. A poweful lachrymator, it was formerly used as a chemical weapon.

General Description

A clear colorless liquid turning violet on standing, even in the absence of air, and decomposing to a black resinous mass on long standing. Denser than water and poorly soluble in water. Hence sinks in water. A violent lachrymator--low concentrations are very irritating to the eyes; high concentrations or prolonged exposure at lower concentrations may have adverse health effects. Very toxic by inhalation. Contact with the liquid causes painful burns. Used as a chemical war gas.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Soluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

BROMOACETONE decomposes on standing.

Hazard

Toxic by inhalation and skin contact. A lachrymator gas, strong irritant.

Health Hazard

Very powerful lachrymator and upper respiratory tract irritant. Intensely irritating to the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Corrosive to the skin.

Fire Hazard

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic fumes of Bromine

Safety Profile

A poisonous gas. Moderately toxic to humans by inhalation. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Br-. See also BROMIDES.

Purification Methods

Stand bromoacetone over anhydrous CaCO3, filter, distil it under low vacuum, and store it with CaCO3 in the dark at 0o. [Levene Org Synth Coll Vol II 88 1943.] Violently LACHRYMATORY and skin IRRITANT.