1. Pharmaceuticals

• Acetylation of Amines and Alcohols in API Synthesis: Acetyl bromide is widely used to introduce acetyl groups (–COCH₃) into amines, alcohols, and phenols, producing esters or amides — key functional groups in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). It is preferred when a stronger and more reactive acylating agent is needed than acetic anhydride or acetyl chloride.
• Synthesis of Acetylated Drug Intermediates: Used in multi-step synthesis of analgesics, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs, where acetylation controls bioavailability, solubility, or pharmacokinetics.

2. Performance Chemicals

• Acylation Agent in Organic Synthesis: Acetyl bromide is a powerful electrophile used to acetylate alcohols and amines in the production of esters and amides for fine chemicals, perfume ingredients, and additives. It’s especially useful when moisture sensitivity and high reactivity are required.
• Intermediate for Acetyl Derivatives: Used as a reactive intermediate in the synthesis of acetyl bromide derivatives, which further react with nucleophiles to yield targeted organic molecules.
• Lignin and Biomass Analysis: One of the key uses of acetyl bromide is in analytical chemistry, particularly for quantifying lignin content in plant biomass. The acetyl bromide method is a well-established technique in plant biochemistry and biofuel research.
• Teaching Functional Group Chemistry: Used in laboratory demonstrations of nucleophilic acyl substitution, helping students understand reactivity of acyl halides compared to other acylating agents.

3. Agrochemicals

• Synthesis of Herbicide and Pesticide Precursors: Acts as an acetylating agent in the preparation of brominated acetyl compounds, which serve as key intermediates in agrochemical formulations. These include acetylated amines and esters in crop protection chemicals.
• Role in Structure-Activity Optimization: Used in modifying the hydrophobicity or reactivity of agrochemical molecules via acetylation, influencing their absorption and activity profile on plants and pests.

4. Polymers & Resins

• Monomer Modification and Functionalization: Acetyl bromide is occasionally used to acetylate hydroxyl-containing monomers or oligomers to alter polymer properties such as flexibility, solubility, or reactivity. This plays a role in adhesive systems and specialty coatings.