The Chemoselective Bifunctional Alkylating Agent for Pentoxifylline Synthesis, Pharmaceutical Intermediates, and Specialty Agrochemicals (CAS# 10226-29-6)

6-Bromohexan-2-one (CAS# 10226-29-6), also known as 6-bromo-2-hexanone, 5-oxohexyl bromide, 1-bromo-5-hexanone, or 4-bromobutyl methyl ketone, is a C6 aliphatic bromoketone with the molecular formula C₆H₁₁BrO and a molecular weight of 179.05 g/mol. Its structure combines a terminal primary alkyl bromide at one end and a methyl ketone at the other end of a flexible four-carbon methylene chain. This makes it a bifunctional building block for sequential chemoselective transformations.

The compound is a liquid at ambient temperature with a density of 1.3496 g/cm³ at 0°C, a boiling point of 214–215°C at 95.76 kPa with decomposition, a refractive index of 1.4890, and a LogP of 2.14. It is soluble in chloroform, alcohols, and ethers, but insoluble in water.

Unlike mono-functional alkyl halides, 6-bromohexan-2-one offers two orthogonal reactive sites: the primary bromide undergoes nucleophilic substitution (SN2) with amines, alkoxides, and thiols, while the ketone can participate in condensation, reduction, reductive amination, and related transformations. This dual functionality makes it a strategically important intermediate in pharmaceutical manufacturing, agrochemical synthesis, and specialty chemical production.

C₆H₁₁BrO

179.05 g/mol

10226-29-6

233-544-4

6-Bromo-2-hexanone; 5-Oxohexyl bromide; 1-Bromo-5-hexanone; 4-Bromobutyl methyl ketone

Liquid at ambient temperature

≥95% (GC); ≥96% available

214–215°C at 95.76 kPa (decomposition); 135–137°C at 11.97 kPa; 104–105°C at 3.19 kPa

1.3496 g/cm³ at 0°C

1.4890

2.14

Soluble in chloroform, alcohols, ethers; insoluble in water

−20°C, sealed, away from moisture and light

Warning; H302, H315, H319

Not classified as hazardous material for DOT/IATA transport

The primary alkyl bromide enables SN2 reactions with a wide range of nucleophiles, including amines, alkoxides, thiols, and azides. The methyl ketone provides a site for aldol condensation, Claisen-Schmidt reactions, reduction to a secondary alcohol, reductive amination, and Baeyer-Villiger oxidation. The four-carbon methylene spacer provides flexibility for selective transformations.

6-Bromohexan-2-one is a preferred intermediate for the theobromine N-alkylation route to pentoxifylline (CAS 6493-05-6), especially when chemoselectivity between N- and O-alkylation is critical. Pentoxifylline is a xanthine derivative used as a peripheral vasodilator for intermittent claudication and other conditions associated with impaired blood flow.

The compound alkylates theobromine sodium salt in refluxing ethanol/water/sodium hydroxide, yielding pentoxifylline after crystallization. The 5-oxohexyl side chain is a pharmacophoric requirement; homologation or truncation can alter the N¹-alkyl substitution pattern on the xanthine core and compromise biological activity.

The primary bromide in 6-bromohexan-2-one reacts with high N-selectivity, minimizing O-alkylated purine by-products that can reduce yield and complicate purification. Compared with the chloro analog, 6-chloro-2-hexanone, which requires K₂CO₃/DMSO at 70°C and produces more O-alkylated by-products, 6-bromohexan-2-one offers superior chemoselectivity and a cleaner reaction profile.

It is also used in the development of APIs and drug candidates as a versatile building block for nucleophilic substitution reactions.

In agrochemical synthesis, 6-bromohexan-2-one serves as a key intermediate for pesticides and crop protection agents. Its bromine atom makes it useful for nucleophilic substitution reactions, enabling the construction of complex molecules for crop protection applications.

6-Bromohexan-2-one is a versatile bifunctional alkylating agent for constructing complex molecular architectures. It is used in specialty chemicals, polymer modification, specialty coatings, adhesives, and materials science applications requiring precise chemical transformations.

Global demand for 6-bromohexan-2-one is concentrated in three main sectors:

The market is served by specialized pharmaceutical intermediate manufacturers, multinational research chemical distributors, and Chinese producers serving distinct segments. As a specialized bromoketone building block rather than a bulk commodity, the supplier base is moderate and focused on pharmaceutical R&D, agrochemical development, and academic research.

International research and high-purity suppliers include ChemScene, BOC Sciences, BenchChem, Fluorochem, CymitQuimica, EvitaChem, GlpBio, and TargetMol. These suppliers serve pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic research communities with products that meet rigorous quality specifications.

In the industrial and large-scale production segment, XinChem is a reliable manufacturer and supplier of high-purity 6-bromohexan-2-one from China. XinChem offers the compound with stringent quality standards for pentoxifylline synthesis, pharmaceutical intermediate manufacturing, and specialty agrochemical applications. The company provides comprehensive quality documentation, batch-specific Certificates of Analysis, customizable packaging, and globally compliant REACH, ISO 9001, and GMP-aligned manufacturing.

The Asia-Pacific region is a significant production hub for 6-bromohexan-2-one, with China hosting numerous manufacturers and suppliers, including XinChem. Competitive advantages include lower production costs, established chemical infrastructure, and proximity to growing pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries.

North America remains a key market for high-purity and research-grade material, driven by pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, and academic research institutions. Europe is characterized by stringent regulatory requirements, including REACH registration, and a strong focus on quality and sustainability. Japan represents a specialized market for pharmaceutical research, agrochemical development, and fine chemical synthesis.

6-Bromohexan-2-one is classified under GHS with the signal word Warning. Hazard statements include:

Precautionary statements include P261, P264, P280, P301+P312, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, and P501. The compound should be stored at −20°C in a sealed container protected from moisture and light. Personal protective equipment, including lab gloves, safety glasses, and a lab coat, should be worn during handling, and operations should be conducted in a well-ventilated environment.

In the European Union, the compound must comply with REACH registration requirements. It has an EINECS number of 233-544-4 and is not classified as PBT or vPvB. Manufacturers and suppliers must provide comprehensive Safety Data Sheets and maintain appropriate documentation. In the United States, 6-bromohexan-2-one is intended for research and development use only unless explicitly stated otherwise.

For transport, 6-bromohexan-2-one is not classified as hazardous material for DOT/IATA purposes. Proper packaging, labeling, and documentation are still required for international shipping. The HS code is 2914790090.

The market outlook for 6-bromohexan-2-one is positive, supported by several growth drivers:

Challenges include moisture sensitivity, competition from alternative alkylating agents such as 6-chloro-2-hexanone and 6-iodo-2-hexanone, limited scale compared with commodity chemicals, and increasingly stringent regulatory compliance requirements.

Suppliers that focus on product quality, batch-to-batch consistency, supply chain reliability, regulatory compliance, and responsive customer service will be well-positioned to capture growing demand.

Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem) is a world-leading supplier of organic chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates. XinChem serves the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and fine chemical industries with high-quality 6-Bromohexan-2-one (CAS# 10226-29-6).

XinChem uses advanced manufacturing facilities and rigorous quality control to ensure purity, consistency, and safety. The production process incorporates established synthetic routes, including selective bromination of 2-hexanone derivatives and ring-opening of appropriate cyclic precursors. Products are available with purity ≥95% (GC) and ≥96% (GC).

Quality control covers raw material sourcing, in-process monitoring, and finished product testing. Each batch is accompanied by a detailed Certificate of Analysis documenting physical and chemical properties, purity data, density, refractive index, and impurity profiles. XinChem offers batch-specific COA, customizable packaging, and globally compliant REACH, ISO 9001, and GMP-aligned manufacturing.

C₆H₁₁BrO

179.05 g/mol

10226-29-6

233-544-4

6-Bromo-2-hexanone; 5-Oxohexyl bromide; 1-Bromo-5-hexanone; 4-Bromobutyl methyl ketone

Liquid at ambient temperature

≥95% (GC) / ≥96% (GC) available

214–215°C at 95.76 kPa; 104–105°C at 3.19 kPa

1.3496 g/cm³ at 0°C

1.4890

2.14

Soluble in chloroform, alcohols, ethers; insoluble in water

−20°C, sealed, away from moisture and light

Warning; H302, H315, H319

XinChem provides packaging options from laboratory-scale quantities such as 10 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, and 1 g to industrial-scale packaging such as 5 g, 10 g, 25 g, 100 g, 500 g, 1 kg, and bulk shipments. Customized packaging is available upon request.

XinChem’s team of experienced chemists and application engineers provides technical support from product selection and specification development to application guidance and troubleshooting. Custom synthesis and contract manufacturing with flexible scaling from R&D to commercial quantities are available upon request.

With established supply chains serving Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and other markets, XinChem ensures timely delivery and consistent product availability. The company provides comprehensive documentation, including Safety Data Sheets, Certificates of Analysis, and other required certificates, and stays current with REACH, TSCA, and other regional regulations.

Extensive experience in bromoketone intermediate synthesis and supply.

Rigorous quality control, high purity, and international standards.

Stable supply, competitive pricing, and timely delivery.

Customized solutions, custom synthesis, and packaging.

Responsive technical support and batch-specific COA.

Website: www.xinchem.com

Email: [email protected]

WhatsApp: +86 18049800532