Imidazole hydrobromide stands out as a significant organic salt formed from imidazole and hydrobromic acid. Chemists value it as a source of imidazole for both laboratory and industrial applications. Its scientific formula is C3H5N2·HBr, and at a molecular level, it contains a five-membered imidazole ring bonded to a hydrobromide moiety, bringing together aromaticity and ionic properties. It comes in various forms such as solid powder, crystalline flakes, and occasionally pearls. White to off-white in color, this compound is odorless. The structure, featuring a pair of nitrogen atoms in the ring, adds notable reactivity and binding ability—qualities put to use in pharmaceuticals, reagents, and specialty chemical synthesis.
Imidazole hydrobromide exhibits unique physical properties that make it easily recognizable in a laboratory or industrial setting. Typically, it appears as a crystalline solid, sometimes found as flakes or powder. On measurement, users find a specific molecular weight of 174.99 g/mol, while the melting point hovers around 145-148°C, depending on purity and atmospheric conditions. The density is about 1.5 g/cm3, a figure relevant during transport and storage. Being hygroscopic, it must be stored in tightly sealed containers, as it absorbs water vapor from the air. In water, it dissolves readily, producing clear, colorless solutions, facilitating usage in chemical transformations and catalysis. Compared with the free base, the hydrobromide salt is less volatile and offers improved solubility, a benefit for handling safety and consistency in research and production processes.
When using imidazole hydrobromide in a lab or manufacturing setting, paying attention to safety data proves critical. As with most hydrobromide salts, this material presents moderate hazard potential. Its dust can irritate mucous membranes and airways, and prolonged or repeated use without proper ventilation might lead to harmful exposure. Proper gloves and goggles keep direct contact to a minimum, and a well-ventilated fume hood or enclosure reduces inhalation risk. While its oral toxicity is relatively low, it still warrants cautious handling. Chemical safety data points out that, in case of fire, hydrogen bromide and nitrogen oxides could release, requiring adequate respiratory protection for workers. To prevent contamination of raw materials and finished products, dedicated storage away from acids, bases, and oxidizers makes a clear difference.
Imidazole hydrobromide finds its value as a raw material in diverse sectors. In pharmaceuticals, it acts as a starting material or intermediate for the synthesis of antifungal agents, enzyme inhibitors, and various medicinal compounds. Biotechnology facilities include it in buffer systems and as a ligand in protein purification workflows, owing to its affinity for certain metal ions. Research teams rely on its predictable behavior to introduce the imidazole moiety into heterocyclic compounds. Industrial chemical manufacturing uses it for preparing specialty dyes, agricultural products, and corrosion inhibitors. Working hands-on with this material has brought home the importance of product consistency, as even minor impurities affect batch-to-batch reproducibility in high-precision fields.
Industry-grade imidazole hydrobromide often comes with a purity between 98% and 99%. Moisture, residue on ignition, and heavy metal content stay within strict limits, as outlined in typical specifications sheets. For customs and global transport, the Harmonized System (HS) Code for imidazole hydrobromide is 2933299090, which situates it under the category of heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen heteroatoms, not elsewhere specified. Packaging varies from small glass vials in research labs to larger polyethylene or fiber drums for manufacturing uses. Shipments include clear labels noting the material’s density, molecular formula, and relevant hazard codes to streamline regulatory compliance and avoid logistical snags.
In practical settings, proper handling of imidazole hydrobromide is all about minimizing waste and exposure. Tight seals on storage containers, ideally in cool, dry, and well-ventilated areas, greatly extend its shelf life. As its solid or crystalline form absorbs moisture, repeated opening without humidity control renders batches unusable—a lesson best learned before losing valuable product. Disposal complies with local and international chemical waste regulations, with an emphasis on preventing runoff into water supplies. Imidazole degradation products, though less harmful than heavy metal salts, still require careful treatment. Facilities that routinely stock this chemical keep spill control materials close, as clean-up using inert absorbents like vermiculite deals with accidental releases swiftly and safely. Waste treatment focuses on neutralization and containment, reducing risks to both human health and the environment.
Starting from basic petrochemicals, manufacturers synthesize imidazole hydrobromide by reacting imidazole—produced via the Debus-Radziszewski imidazole synthesis or similar pathways—with hydrobromic acid. Regional restrictions on precursor supply influence both price and lead time. Over the years, fluctuations in the cost of raw materials, especially those of bromine and specialty amines, have created occasional shortages or price spikes. Labs and businesses with steady demand benefit from long-term agreements or stocking up in anticipation of market swings. Quality assurance—backed by product analysis certificates—remains a non-negotiable priority, as final outcomes in pharmaceutical or technical uses depend directly on starting material integrity.
Working directly with imidazole hydrobromide clarifies the value of process improvements for safety and sustainability. Closed-system transfers, local exhaust ventilation, and process automation minimize exposure and boost worker protection. Green chemistry initiatives push for solvent recycling and less hazardous alternatives, aiming to cut both waste and environmental impact. Safe labeling, updated safety data sheets, and regular staff training form the backbone of responsible chemical management. As global regulations on hazardous chemicals tighten, proactive adoption of safer handling practices and material substitutions puts labs and factories ahead of the compliance curve. Continuous review of supply chains and process steps further reduces risks, supporting both workforce health and consistent product quality.
