Chemical Identity and Physical Properties

2,4,6-Tribromobiphenyl (CAS 59080-33-0) is a member of the polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) class of compounds. Its molecular formula is C₁₂H₇Br₃ with a molecular weight of approximately 390.90 g/mol. The compound consists of a biphenyl backbone bearing bromine substituents at the 2, 4, and 6 positions of one phenyl ring. Like other PBBs, it is a solid at room temperature with low water solubility and relatively high lipophilicity, contributing to its environmental persistence and bioaccumulation potential. The compound is typically encountered as a white to off-white crystalline solid. Its halogenated aromatic structure confers chemical stability under normal laboratory conditions.

Research Applications

2,4,6-Tribromobiphenyl is primarily employed as an analytical reference standard in environmental chemistry and toxicological research. Key applications include:

• Environmental Monitoring: Used to calibrate and validate analytical methods (e.g., GC-MS, HPLC) for detecting PBB congeners in soil, sediment, water, and biological matrices.
• Toxicology Studies: Serves as a model compound for investigating the biological effects of brominated flame retardants and their metabolites, including endocrine disruption and hepatotoxicity research.
• Method Development: Applied in the development and validation of extraction, cleanup, and quantification protocols for halogenated organic contaminants.
• Quality Control: Used as a certified or reference standard to ensure accuracy and traceability in regulatory and research laboratory analyses involving PBBs.

Its well-defined substitution pattern makes it a useful congener for structure-activity relationship (SAR) investigations within the PBB series.

Handling, Storage, and Safety

As a polybrominated aromatic compound, 2,4,6-Tribromobiphenyl requires careful handling in accordance with good laboratory practice and applicable regulatory guidelines for halogenated organic chemicals.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear nitrile gloves, laboratory coat, and safety glasses when handling this compound. Use of a fume hood is strongly recommended to avoid inhalation of dust or vapors.

Storage: Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers. Typical storage temperature is 2–8 °C or as specified on the product label. Keep away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations governing halogenated organic waste. Do not pour down the drain. Use licensed hazardous waste disposal services.

Emergency Measures: In case of skin contact, wash thoroughly with soap and water. In case of eye contact, rinse with copious water and seek medical attention. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete hazard information before use.

Regulatory and Environmental Context

Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) as a class gained significant regulatory attention following industrial incidents, most notably the Michigan PBB contamination event in the 1970s, in which PBBs were accidentally mixed into livestock feed, causing widespread agricultural and public health consequences. As a result, PBBs including various tribromobiphenyl congeners have been subject to increasing regulatory scrutiny globally.

PBBs are listed under various international frameworks addressing persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and are regulated or restricted in numerous jurisdictions, including under the EU RoHS Directive (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), which restricts PBBs in electrical and electronic equipment. Researchers working with PBB standards should be aware of applicable import, export, and use restrictions in their region.

The environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential toxicity of brominated biphenyls underscore the importance of using verified reference standards such as Aladdin's T1539428 to support accurate analytical work in compliance and research settings.

Product Specifications and Ordering Information

Aladdin Scientific offers 2,4,6-Tribromobiphenyl (SKU: T1539428) for research and analytical applications. The product is intended for laboratory use by qualified personnel.

For pricing, availability, purity specifications, and certificate of analysis (CoA), please contact Aladdin Scientific or visit the product page. Custom packaging and bulk quantities may be available upon request.