3796. Ethylene Dibromide

Nomenclature

CAS number: 106-93-4
1,2-Dibromoethane; sym-dibromoethane; ethylene bromide; EDB; Dowfume W 85.
C2H4Br2; mol wt 187.86.
C 12.79%, H 2.15%, Br 85.07%.
BrCH2CH2Br.

Description and references

Made from ethylene and bromine; also from acetylene and HBr. Manuf: Faith, Keyes & Clark's Industrial Chemicals, F. A. Lowenheim, M. K. Moran, Eds. (Wiley-Interscience, New York, 4th ed., 1975) pp 389-391. Toxicity data: G. W. Fischer et al., J. Prakt. Chem. 320, 133 (1978). Carcinogenicity studies: W. A. Olson et al., J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 51, 1993 (1973); Clin. Toxicol. 14, 473 (1979). History of controversial use as a fumigant: J. Walsh, Science 215, 1592 (1982). Review of toxicology and human exposure: Toxicological Profile for 1,2-Dibromoethane (PB93-110740, 1992) 173 pp.

Properties

Heavy liquid; chloroform odor. d2525 2.172. bp 131-132°. mp 9°. nD20 1.5379. Vapor pressure at 25°: 11 mm Hg. Sol in about 250 parts water; misc with alcohol, ether. Poisonous. Protect from light. LD50 i.p. in mice: 220 mg/kg (Fischer).

Caution

Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of skin, respiratory system and eyes; dermatitis with vesiculation; liver, heart, spleen, kidney damage; reproductive effects. See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 136. See also Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology vol. 2B, G. D. Clayton, F. E. Clayton, Eds. (Wiley-Interscience, New York, 3rd ed., 1981) p 3497-3502. This substance is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen: Report on Carcinogens, Eleventh Edition (PB2005-104914, 2004) p III-82.

Use

Soil and grain fumigant; as lead scavenger in anti-knock gasolines.