1. Pharmaceuticals

• Selective Bromination in API Synthesis: NBS is extensively used for allylic and benzylic bromination, which are key steps in synthesizing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). It allows for site-specific functionalization, preserving sensitive parts of the molecule while modifying the desired region.
• Precursor to Halogenated Intermediates: NBS is a useful source of bromine radicals for forming organobromine intermediates, which are further processed into antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or cardiovascular drugs.

2. Agrochemicals

• Intermediate Synthesis for Pesticides and Herbicides: Used in the bromination of active centers in the production of fungicides, insecticides, and plant growth regulators. NBS is preferred for its clean reaction profiles and minimal overbromination.
• Stabilizer in Reactive Bromination Systems: It provides a controlled release of bromine, making it safer and more reliable for field-suitable synthesis of brominated agro-intermediates.

3. Performance Chemicals

• Allylic and Aromatic Bromination Reagent: In organic synthesis, NBS is the go-to compound for electrophilic bromination of alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic rings, often in radical conditions with light or heat. It is used in producing solvents, plasticizers, surfactants, and dyes.
• Source of Bromine for Oxidation Reactions: Used in oxidative transformations involving bromonium ions or bromohydrins, especially in fine chemical manufacturing.
• Model Reagent for Radical Reactions: NBS is widely used in academic labs as a model halogenating reagent to teach mechanistic pathways like radical substitution and electrophilic bromination.
• Development of New Synthetic Pathways: In R&D settings, NBS is employed for screening novel reaction conditions, including enantioselective bromination, green chemistry applications, and photochemical reactions.

4. Polymers & Resins

• Functionalization of Polymer Chains: NBS is used to introduce bromine atoms into polymer chains (e.g., allylic bromination of rubber) to enhance reactivity, adhesion, or to serve as a crosslinking site for further modifications in thermosetting resins.
• Preparation of Flame-Retardant Additives: Serves in the synthesis of brominated intermediates which are later converted into flame-retardant monomers or plastic additives.