Ethyl bromide has the common properties of monohalogenated alkanes. It can be hydrolyzed to produce ethanol, react with sodium cyanide to produce propionitrile, react with ammonia, alcohol, and hydrogen sulfide to produce amines, ethers, and mercaptans respectively, and react with magnesium in anhydrous ether to produce Grignard Chemicalbook reagent. Therefore, ethyl bromide can be used to synthesize a variety of organic substances. Toxic! It is easily decomposed under light or flame to produce hydrogen bromide and carbonyl bromide, the latter of which has a phosgene-like toxic effect. It is also used as a raw material for organic synthesis and a fumigant.