1-bromo-3-chloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin ( BCDMH ) is an organic compound derived from the heterocyclic compound dimethyl hydantoin . It is a white crystalline substance with a slight odor of bromine and acetone , practically insoluble in water, but soluble in acetone.
| Bcdmh | |
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| Are common | |
| Systematic name | 1-bromo-3-chloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin |
| Abbreviations | Bcdmh |
| Chem. formula | C 5 H 6 BrClN 2 O 2 |
| Physical properties | |
| condition | solid |
| Molar mass | 241.47 g / mol |
| Density | 1.9 g / cm³ |
| Thermal properties | |
| T. melt. | 159-163 ° C |
| Chemical properties | |
| Solubility in water | 0.15 g / 100 ml |
| Classification | |
| Reg. CAS number | 16079-88-2 |
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| Smiles | |
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Mechanism of Action
BCDMH is an excellent source of chlorine and bromine, as it slowly reacts with water to produce hypochlorous acid and hypobromic acid . It is used as a chemical disinfectant for the purification of drinking water. The original BCDMH reacts with water [1] :
- BrClR + 2 H 2 O → HOBr + HOCl + RH 2
(R - dimethylhydantoin)
Hypobromic acid partially dissociates in water:
- HOBr → H + + OBr -
Hypobromic acid oxidizes the substrates, while reducing to the bromide ion:
- HOBr + living pathogens → Br - + dead pathogens
Bromide ions are oxidized by hypochlorous acid formed upon dissolution of BCDMH:
- Br - + HOCl → HOBr + Cl -
Thus, additional hypobromic acid is formed. However, hypochlorous acid itself can act as a disinfectant.
Notes
- ↑ South Australian Health Commission, “Standard for the Operation of Swimming Pools and Spa Pools in South Australia,” Supplement C: Bromine Disinfection Archived May 21, 2009. Archived on May 21, 2009. , page 8. Retrieved on 2009-05-12.