Bromoethane, also known as ethyl bromide, is a chemical compound of the haloalkanes group. It is abbreviated by chemists as EtBr. This volatile compound has an ether-like odour. Preparation The preparation of EtBr stands as a model for the synthesis of alkyl bromides in general. It is usually prepared by the addition of HBr to ethylene: » H2C=CH2 + HBr → H3C-CH2Br Ethyl bromide is inexpensive and would rarely be prepared in the laboratory. A laboratory synthesis include the reacting ethan… (More on Bromoethane)