Xylylbromide

The Xylylbromide, also referred to as Methylbenzylbromide are brominated derivatives of the xylene. Are obtained, the action of bromine on the xylenes, in which one H atom in the side chain is replaced by a Br atom. Different arrangement of the substituents are three structural isomers (o-, m-, and p- Xylylbromid ) result with the formula C8H9Br.

Properties

The Xylylbromide are insoluble in water, but readily soluble in ethanol and ether. The biggest eye-irritating effect has o- Xylylbromid, it crystallizes in colorless prismatic crystals. P- Xylylbromid having the highest symmetry, has the highest melting point.

History

In imperial Germany, it was referred to as T -Stoff or lilac gas and considered as a chemical warfare agent and also used (as Elder gas in the UK). Xylylbromid was used in World War first in August 1914, by the French troops. Later by German at Bolimow and Łódź. The effect was quite low due to the prevailing temperatures, since it could not sufficiently Xylylbromid evaporate. When used on the Western Front in March 1915 in the near Nieuport (West Flanders ) was the greater success due to higher temperatures.