DBNPA or 2,2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide is a quick-kill biocide that easily hydrolyzes under both acidic and alkaline conditions. It is preferred for its instability in water as it quickly kills and then quickly degrades to form a number of products, depending on the conditions, including ammonia, bromide ions, dibromoacetonitrile, and dibromoacetic acid. DBNPA acts similar to the typical halogen biocides.
DBNPA is used in a wide variety of applications. Some examples are in papermaking as a preservative in paper coating and slurries. It is also used as slime control on papermachines, and as a biocide in hydraulic fracturing wells and in cooling water.

Appearance and properties: Colorless to yellow liquid with a musty pungent odor

Density: 2.451g /cm3

Boiling point: 221.5oC at 760 mmHg

Melting point: 122-125 °C(lit.)

Refractive index: 1.624

Stability: Stable, but may be moisture sensitive. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.

Storage conditions: Keep in a cool, dry location in a tightly sealed container.

Vapor pressure: 0.107mmHg at 25°C