It is primarily used as a source of the butyl group in organic synthesis.

These conditions lead to the anti-Markovnikov addition, i.e. give the 1-bromo derivatives.

[2] 1-Bromobutane can also be prepared from butanol by treatment with hydrobromic acid:[3] As a primary haloalkane, it is prone to SN2 type reactions.

When combined with magnesium metal in dry ether, it gives the corresponding Grignard reagent.

When bromobutane is the precursor, the product is a homogeneous solution, consisting of a mixed cluster containing both LiBr and LiBu.