Abstract: Organic chemistry experiments serve as a fundamental component in the curricula of chemistry, materials science, and related disciplines. These experiments aim to enhance students’ comprehension of theoretical concepts while equipping them with essential operational skills in organic synthesis, separation, purification, and characterization. The preparation of 1-bromobutane represents a classic halohydrocarbon synthesis experiment in basic organic chemistry courses, but several limitations have been identified during its instructional implementation. For instance, the reaction extensively employs corrosive concentrated sulfuric acid, which can easily produce hazardous substances (HBr, Br₂, and SO₂), leading to significant safety risks and the generation of strongly acidic wastewater. The reaction is performed under vigorous reaction conditions, which can easily result in the formation of by-products, causing low product yield and cumbersome post-processing prone to emulsification. This study presents an improved synthetic methodology for 1-bromobutane based on reaction mechanism optimization. The modified protocol enhances reaction efficiency, simplifies post-treatment procedures, reduces hazardous chemical usage and emissions, and aligns with safer, greener pedagogical requirements. Furthermore, the revised experiment incorporates structural and purity characterization of the target product using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and Abbe refractometry, thereby fostering students’ comprehensive analytical capabilities.

Key words: 1-Butanol, 1-Bromobutane, Green chemistry, Nuclear magnetic resonance