5-Bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane (CAS 30007-47-7, C4H6BrNO4) is a bromo-nitro heterocycle with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, used as a preservative in cosmetics, personal care and industrial aqueous formulations. This guide covers its chemistry, properties, specifications and applications.
1. What Is 5-Bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane?
The molecule combines a 1,3-dioxane ring with bromo and nitro substituents at C5 – the same active chemistry family as bromo-nitro alcohols such as bronopol. It acts by slowly releasing active species that disrupt bacterial cell metabolism, giving effective preservation at low use levels.
2. Chemistry and Key Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular formula | C4H6BrNO4 |
| CAS | 30007-47-7 |
| Appearance | White fine crystalline powder |
| Purity | 99% min |
| Melting point | 57-62 °C |
| Water content | ≤0.5% |
| Solubility | Clear solution at 10% w/v in methanol |
3. Production Technology
Commercial routes build the 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane ring from a bromo-nitro alcohol (e.g. 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol chemistry) and formaldehyde-derived acetal chemistry. Key process controls are purity (≥99%), free formaldehyde (≤5 ppm), water (≤0.5%) and related substances (≤0.2%), which determine its performance and regulatory profile in end formulations.
4. Specifications
Standard grade: white fine crystalline powder; purity 99% min; 10% w/v methanolic solution clear or nearly clear; water NMT 0.5%; melting point 57-62 °C; formaldehyde 5 ppm max; related substances 0.2% max.
5. Applications Overview
- Cosmetics and personal care – preservative in creams, lotions, shampoos and wet wipes (subject to regional approvals).
- Industrial aqueous systems – paints, adhesives, polymer dispersions, metalworking fluids.
- Co-preservation – with isothiazolinones or phenoxyethanol for broader spectrum.
6. Application Details
6.1 Cosmetic preservation
At typical use levels (0.01-0.1% actives) it protects against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria; formulation pH, compatibility and regulatory allowance must be checked per market (EU cosmetics regulation, US, others).
6.2 Industrial preservation
For water-based paints, adhesives and dispersions it controls in-can spoilage; compatibility with the binder system and pH window should be validated by challenge testing.
7. Industry Landscape
Bromo-nitro preservatives (bronopol and dioxane analogues) are established actives produced mainly by specialty biocide manufacturers in Asia and Europe. Regulatory pressure on formaldehyde releasers means users confirm allowed status; the controlled free-formaldehyde spec (≤5 ppm) supports formulation compliance work.
8. Buying Guide
- Specify purity, free formaldehyde, water and related substances on the COA.
- Request melting point and solution clarity confirmation.
- Confirm packaging (25 kg) and shelf life; store sealed, cool and dry.
9. Safety and Handling
- Bromo-nitro compounds can be skin/eye irritants and sensitizers – handle with gloves, goggles and ventilation.
- Avoid dust; keep away from heat, strong bases and amines.
- Review the MSDS and regional regulatory status before use.
10. FAQ
Is 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane the same as bronopol?
Not identical – bronopol is 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (an open-chain bromo-nitro alcohol). The dioxane analogue is a related cyclic bromo-nitro preservative with its own regulatory profile.
At what pH is it stable?
Bromo-nitro actives are generally most stable in mildly acidic to neutral systems; confirm the optimum window for your formulation.
11. References and Further Reading
- PubChem entry for 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane.
- Supplier COA and MSDS for the specific grade quoted.
- Regional cosmetic preservative positive/restricted lists.
This article is published for industrial and technical reference by PolyblueChem. Verify all values against the supplier’s COA and applicable regulations before specification.
PolyblueChem supplies 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane (CAS 30007-47-7) with COA and MSDS. Contact us for specifications and quotations.