Phenacyl bromide is the

organic compound Some chemical authorities define an organic compound as a chemical compound that contains a carbon–hydrogen or carbon–carbon bond; others consider an organic compound to be any chemical compound that contains carbon. For example, carbon-co ...

with the

formula In science, a formula is a concise way of expressing information symbolically, as in a mathematical formula or a ''chemical formula''. The informal use of the term ''formula'' in science refers to the general construct of a relationship betwe ...

C₆H₅C(O)CH₂Br. This colourless solid is a powerful

lachrymator Tear gas, also known as a lachrymatory agent or lachrymator (), sometimes colloquially known as "mace" after the Mace (spray), early commercial self-defense spray, is a chemical weapon that stimulates the nerves of the lacrimal gland in the ey ...

as well as a useful precursor to other organic compounds. It is prepared by bromination of

acetophenone Acetophenone is the organic compound with the formula C6H5C(O)CH3. It is the simplest aromatic ketone. This colorless, viscous liquid is a precursor to useful resins and fragrances. Production Acetophenone is formed as a byproduct of the cumene ...

: :C₆H₅C(O)CH₃ + Br₂ → C₆H₅C(O)CH₂Br + HBr The compound was first reported in 1871.

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of phenacyl bromide crystals Lachrymatory agents Organobromides Substances discovered in the 19th century {{organohalide-stub