Bronopol, chemically known as 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-diol, is a highly effective antimicrobial agent widely utilized across numerous industries for its potent biocidal and preservative properties. Identified by its CAS number 52-51-7, this compound exists as a white crystalline powder, making it easy to handle and incorporate into various formulations. Its molecular formula is C3H6BrNO4, with a molecular weight of 199.99. Bronopol exhibits good solubility in water, approximately 25 g/100 ml at 22°C, and has a melting point typically ranging between 130 and 133°C.

The primary function of Bronopol is to control and inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and yeasts. Its broad spectrum of activity makes it invaluable in preventing microbial contamination and spoilage, which can compromise product integrity, safety, and performance. Bronopol achieves its antimicrobial effect by interfering with essential enzyme systems within microorganisms and potentially causing damage to cell membranes. This dual mode of action contributes to its effectiveness against a wide range of microbial species, including troublesome bacteria often encountered in industrial and cosmetic environments, such as Pseudomonas strains.

One significant application area for Bronopol is in the cosmetic and personal care industry. It serves as a crucial preservative in formulations such as shampoos, conditioners, creams, lotions, rinses, and eye makeup. Microbial contamination in these products can lead to spoilage, including changes in color, odor, and viscosity, and can pose health risks to consumers. Bronopol helps to protect these products from bacterial and fungal proliferation, ensuring their safety, efficacy, and extending their shelf life. It is effective in both leave-on and rinse-off applications, providing reliable preservation under typical usage conditions.

Beyond personal care, Bronopol finds extensive use as a microbiocide in various industrial systems. In cooling water systems, air washer systems, and air conditioning/humidifying systems, it is employed to control the growth of slime-forming bacteria, algae, and fungi. These microorganisms can cause significant operational problems, including reduced heat transfer efficiency, fouling, corrosion, and blockages. The use of Bronopol helps maintain system hygiene, optimize performance, and reduce maintenance costs.

The oil and gas industry also benefits significantly from Bronopol's biocidal properties. It is used to control microbial growth, particularly sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), in drilling fluids, completion fluids, and injection water. SRB can cause the production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), leading to reservoir souring and microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of pipelines and equipment. Bronopol application in these systems helps mitigate these severe issues, protecting assets and ensuring smoother operations.

In the paper and pulp industry, Bronopol is utilized to prevent slime formation and control microbial populations in process water and pulp slurries. Microbial slime can lead to breaks in the paper web during manufacturing, reducing production efficiency and compromising the quality of the final product. Bronopol treatment helps improve the runnability of paper machines and ensures consistent product quality.

Metalworking fluids are susceptible to bacterial and fungal contamination, which can lead to fluid degradation, unpleasant odors, loss of performance, and potential health hazards for operators. Bronopol is an effective additive for preserving metalworking fluids, extending their service life, and maintaining a healthy working environment.

Furthermore, Bronopol is incorporated into paints, adhesives, printing inks, and absorbent clays to prevent microbial spoilage during storage and use. Spoilage in these products can manifest as gassing, changes in viscosity, phase separation, and loss of adhesive or print properties. By inhibiting microbial growth, Bronopol ensures the stability and performance of these materials.

A key factor in the effectiveness of Bronopol is its purity. High-quality Bronopol, typically specified at 99% assay, ensures consistent performance and reliable microbial control. Sourcing Bronopol from a reputable manufacturer is crucial to guarantee this level of quality and purity, ensuring that end products meet required standards and regulatory compliance.

When considering antimicrobial solutions, the versatility, broad spectrum, and effectiveness of Bronopol make it a preferred choice for many applications. Its performance across diverse matrices and environmental conditions, coupled with its ability to function at relatively low concentrations, provides a cost-effective approach to microbial management.

For industries requiring dependable preservation and microbial control, obtaining a consistent supply of high-quality Bronopol powder is essential. Those seeking a reliable Bronopol manufacturer or a trusted Bronopol supplier should evaluate partners based on product purity, manufacturing standards, and technical support. Understanding the current Bronopol price is also a critical factor in procurement planning. Information on how to buy Bronopol or where to purchase Bronopol can typically be obtained directly from specialized chemical suppliers offering this key ingredient for industrial and cosmetic applications.