4-Bromoanisole

4-Bromoanisole is the organobromine compound with the formula CH₃OC₆H₄Br. It is colorless liquid with a pleasant smell similar to that of anise seed. It is one of three isomers of bromoanisole, the others being 3-bromoanisole and 2-bromoanisole. It is the precursor to many 4-anisyl derivatives.

Reactions and uses

4-Bromoanisole forms a Grignard reagent, which reacts with phosphorus trichloride to give tris(4-methoxyphenyl)phosphine:
4-Bromoanisole forms the organozinc derivative CH₃OC₆H₄ZnBr.
4-Bromoanisole is compound sometimes used in RNA extraction which serves to further eliminate DNA contamination. It interacts with genomic DNA and through a separation phase, it will be located in the organic layer instead of the aqueous layer containing the RNA extract.