Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD or HBCDD) is a brominated flame retardant. Its primary application is in extruded (XPS) and expanded (EPS) polystyrene foam that is used as thermal insulation in the building industry. HBCD is highly efficient in this application so that very low levels are required to reach the desired flame retardancy. Typical HBCD levels in EPS are 0.7% and in XPS 2.5%. At present, according to BSEF, the brominated flame retardant industry panel, HBCD is the only suitable flame retardant for these applications. Any other flame retardant would likely need higher load levels in the polystyrene foam. Other uses are upholstered furniture, automobile interior textiles, car cushions and insulation blocks in trucks, packaging material, video cassette recorder housing and electric and electronic equipment. Also known as: 1,2,5,6,9,10-HEXABROMOCYCLODODECANE, Cyclododecane, 1,2,5,6,9,10-hexabromo-, HSDB 6110, EINECS 221-695-9, 1,2,5,6,9,10-Hexabromocyclodecane Molecular Formula: C12H18Br6 Molecular Weight: 641.69532


Produced by the addition reaction of bromine to trans, trans, cis-1,5,9-cyclododecatriene, the cyclic trimer of butadiene. The hexabromocyclododecane that is obtained from this reaction consists of a mixture of stereoisomers of 1,2,5,6,9,10-hexabromocyclododecane ranging from oils to an isomer with a 205-208 deg C melting point. Commercially available hexabromocyclododecane contains a mixture of solid isomers and has a melting point range of 170-180 deg C (185-195 deg C).