Phenacyl bromide

Phenacyl bromide is the organic compound with the formula C6H5C(O)CH2Br. This colourless solid is a powerful lachrymator as well as a useful precursor to other organic compounds.

It is prepared by bromination of acetophenone:


 * C6H5C(O)CH3 +  Br2   →  C6H5C(O)CH2Br  +  HBr

The compound was first reported in 1871.