Bronopol (INN) is a highly active antimicrobial chemical compound whose chemical formula is 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol.

Bronopol is supplied as crystals or crystalline powder, which may vary from white to pale yellow in colour depending on the grade of material being offered. The yellow colouration is due to chelation of iron during the manufacturing process

 

Today, Bronopol is used in consumer products as an effective preservative agent, as well as a wide variety of industrial applications (almost any industrial water system is a potential environment for bacterial growth, leading to slime and corrosion problems - in many of these systems Bronopol can be a highly effective treatment).

 

Bronopol's low mammalian toxicity (at in-use levels) and exceptional activity against bacteria  ensured that it became popular as a preservative in many consumer products such as shampoos and cosmetics.

 

Bronopol was subsequently taken up as an effective antimicrobial in many industrial environments such as paper mills, oil exploration and production facilities, as well as cooling water disinfection plants.