Bronopol
Bronopol (2-Bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol) is a water-soluble, white crystalline powder or granules with a slight odor. It is a synthetic antimicrobial agent widely used as a preservative in personal care products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial applications. Bronopol exhibits broad-spectrum bactericidal and fungicidal activity, making it effective against a wide range of microorganisms. It works by releasing active formaldehyde slowly, which disrupts microbial metabolism and reproduction.
Bronopol
Primary Uses
- Personal Care & Cosmetics
- Used as a preservative in shampoos, conditioners, lotions, creams, and other cosmetic formulations to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth.
- Helps extend shelf life and maintain product integrity by preventing microbial contamination.
- Pharmaceuticals
- Employed as a preservative in topical pharmaceutical formulations such as ointments and eye drops.
- Industrial Applications
- Used as a biocide in paper mills, cooling water systems, and other industrial water treatment to control microbial growth and biofilm formation.
- Applied in leather tanning and textile processing to prevent microbial degradation.
Secondary Uses
- Household Products
- Incorporated in cleaning agents and detergents as a preservative and antimicrobial agent.
- Agriculture
- Occasionally used in seed treatment formulations to control fungal contamination.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): 2-Bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol
- Common/Trade Name: Bronopol
- CAS Number: 52-51-7
- HS Code: 2924.99.90
- Molecular Formula: C3H6BrNO4
- Synonyms:
- Bronopol
- 2-Bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol
- BNPD
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Crystalline powder or granules
- Color & Odor: White; slight characteristic odor
- Melting Point: 130–132°C (decomposes)
- Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
- Density: Approx. 1.8 g/cm³
- Solubility: Soluble in water; insoluble in most organic solvents
- pH: Slightly acidic to neutral in aqueous solution
- Stability: Stable under recommended storage; decomposes under alkaline conditions or heat
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Skin irritant; may cause serious eye irritation; harmful if swallowed
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 2
- Flammability: 1
- Reactivity: 1
- Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA limits; avoid inhalation and skin contact
- Toxicity: Moderate toxicity; can cause skin sensitization and allergic reactions in some individuals
- Reactivity: Reactive with strong acids, bases, and oxidizing agents
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances
- Container Type: Sealed plastic or glass containers, corrosion-resistant
- Shelf Life: Typically 2–3 years if stored properly
- Special Handling: Avoid dust formation; use PPE; handle in well-ventilated areas
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- FDA Status: Approved for limited use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals as a preservative
- REACH Registration: Registered under EU regulations
- Transportation: Not classified as hazardous for transport under normal conditions
- Waste Disposal: Dispose of as chemical waste in accordance with local regulations
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Moderately toxic to aquatic organisms; avoid release into waterways
- Persistence: Degrades slowly in the environment
- Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic; some concern for mutagenicity at high concentrations
- Biodegradability: Partial biodegradability under aerobic conditions
Safety Handling Precautions
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Gloves
- Protective goggles
- Dust mask or respirator if dust exposure is likely
- Protective clothing
Handling Measures:
- Avoid inhalation, ingestion, and skin or eye contact
- Use local exhaust ventilation to minimize dust
- Work in well-ventilated areas
Storage Measures:
- Keep containers tightly closed
- Protect from moisture, heat, and incompatible materials
Hygiene Practices:
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if breathing difficulties occur
- Skin Contact: Wash immediately with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation develops
- Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes; seek immediate medical attention
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth and seek medical attention immediately
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Combustible; emits toxic gases on decomposition
- Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO₂ as appropriate
- Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear full protective gear and SCBA
- Decomposition Products: May produce bromine, nitrogen oxides, and other toxic fumes when heated
Related products
Benzyl Alcohol
Benzyl Alcohol is an aromatic alcohol with a mild pleasant odor and clear, colorless liquid appearance. It serves as a versatile solvent, preservative, and intermediate in chemical synthesis. Benzyl Alcohol is widely used across pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, paints, coatings, and as a bacteriostatic agent in injectable drugs. Its relatively low toxicity and good solvent properties make it valuable in both industrial and consumer products.
Benzyl Konium Chloride
Benzyl Konium Chloride (BAC) 50% is a quaternary ammonium compound with potent antimicrobial and disinfectant properties. It is a cationic surfactant widely used for its bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal effects. This clear to pale yellow liquid concentrate is highly soluble in water and is commonly used in healthcare, sanitation, and industrial hygiene applications. BAC 50% solutions serve as active ingredients in disinfectants, sanitizers, and antiseptics due to their effectiveness against a broad spectrum of microorganisms.
Chlorine Tablets
Chlorine Tablets are solid, compressed forms of chlorine-releasing compounds, typically composed of stabilized trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA) or sodium dichloroisocyanurate (SDIC). These tablets are used primarily for water disinfection and sanitation due to their controlled and sustained release of chlorine. They appear as white to off-white, hard tablets with a mild chlorine odor. Chlorine Tablets are widely used in swimming pools, drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, and industrial sanitization processes. Their slow dissolution ensures prolonged antimicrobial activity, providing effective control against bacteria, viruses, algae, and other pathogens.
Glutardehyde
Glutardehydeis a potent biocidal agent and chemical sterilant widely used in healthcare, water treatment, and industrial applications. It is a colorless to pale yellow oily liquid with a pungent, sharp odor. Chemically, it is a dialdehyde, primarily valued for its ability to cross-link proteins, making it highly effective as a disinfectant, fixative, and preservative. Typically supplied in concentrations of 25% or 50% aqueous solutions, Glutaraldehyde is used where high-level disinfection is needed—especially against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. Its versatility also extends to tanning, laboratory science, and wastewater treatment.
Liquid Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine is a pale yellow-green, highly reactive chemical primarily composed of chlorine dissolved in water or as liquefied chlorine gas under pressure. It is widely used as a powerful disinfectant, bleaching agent, and oxidizer in water treatment, sanitation, and various industrial applications. Due to its strong antimicrobial properties, liquid chlorine effectively controls bacteria, viruses, algae, and other microorganisms, ensuring safe potable water and hygienic conditions.
Lysol (Cresol BP)
Lysol (Cresol BP) is a concentrated solution of cresol, a phenolic compound derived from coal tar or petroleum. It is a potent disinfectant and antiseptic with strong antimicrobial properties. This product typically contains 50% cresol in water or solvent and is used extensively in industrial, healthcare, agricultural, and household settings for its broad-spectrum efficacy against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic phenolic odor and is highly effective for sterilization, deodorization, and sanitation.
Sodium Hypochlorite
Sodium Hypochlorite 10-12% (commonly known as Jik) is a clear to pale greenish-yellow liquid with a strong chlorine odor. It is a widely used disinfectant and bleaching agent, known for its powerful oxidizing properties. This grade is commonly employed in household cleaning, water treatment, and industrial sanitation processes. It is effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, making it a popular choice for disinfection and sterilization.
Sodium Metabisulphite
Sodium Metabisulphite is a white crystalline powder widely used as an antioxidant, disinfectant, and preservative. It dissolves readily in water, releasing sulfur dioxide, which acts as a powerful antimicrobial and antioxidant agent. This chemical finds broad applications in food processing, water treatment, pharmaceuticals, and industrial manufacturing to prevent spoilage, control microbial growth, and protect equipment from corrosion.

Preservatives(food)
Flavor Enhancers
Acidulants
Sweeteners
Antioxidants
Colorants(food)
Nutraceutical Ingredients (food)
Nutrient Supplements
Emulsifiers
Collectors
Dust Suppressants
Explosives and Blasting Agents
Flocculants and Coagulants
Frothers
Leaching Agents
pH Modifiers
Precious Metal Extraction Agents
Antioxidants(plastic)
Colorants (Pigments, Dyes)
Fillers and Reinforcements
Flame Retardants
Monomers
Plasticizers
Polymerization Initiators
Stabilizers (UV, Heat)
Antifoaming Agents
Chelating Agents
Coagulants and Flocculants
Corrosion Inhibitors
Disinfectants and Biocides
Oxidizing Agents
pH Adjusters
Scale Inhibitors( water)
Antioxidants(cosmetic)
Emollients
Fragrances and Essential Oils
Humectants
Preservatives
Surfactants(cosmetic)
Thickeners
UV Filters
Fertilizers
Soil Conditioners
Plant Growth Regulators
Animal Feed Additives
Biostimulants
Pesticides (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides)
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
Excipients
Solvents(pharmaceutical)
Antibiotics
Antiseptics and Disinfectants
Vaccine Adjuvants
Nutraceutical Ingredients (pharmaceutical)
Analgesics & Antipyretics
Analytical Reagents
Solvents(lab)
Chromatography Chemicals
Spectroscopy Reagents
microbiology-and-cell-culture-reagents
Molecular Biology Reagents
Biochemical Reagents
Inorganic and Organic Standards
Laboratory Safety Chemicals
Specialty Laboratory Chemicals(Special Laboratory Equipment)
Demulsifiers
Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids
Scale Inhibitors(oil)
Surfactants(oil)
Drilling Fluids
Dyes and Pigments
Bleaching Agents
Softening Agents
Finishing Agents
Antistatic Agents
Admixtures
Waterproofing Agents
Sealants and Adhesives
Curing Compounds
Concrete Repair Chemicals
Anti-Corrosion Coatings
Surfactants(cleaning)
Builders
Enzymes
Solvents (Cleaning)
Fragrances
Electronic Chemicals
Catalysts
Lubricants
Photographic Chemicals
Refrigerants
Automotive chemicals
Pyrotechnic Chemicals
Biodegradable Surfactants
Bio-based Solvents
Renewable Polymers
Carbon Capture Chemicals
Wastewater Treatment Chemicals
Pigments
Solvents(paint)
Specialty Coatings
Binders/Resins
Additives
Driers
Anti-Corrosion Agents
Functional Coatings
Application-Specific Coatings
Leavening Agents
Dough Conditioners
Flour Treatments
Fat Replacers
Decoratives
Preservatives(baking)
Plasticizers & Softeners
Reinforcing Agents
Adhesion Promoters
Vulcanizing Agents
Antidegradants
Blowing Agents
Fillers & Extenders
Accelerators & Retarders