Dibromoethane molecule. Computer-generated molecular model of 1,2-dibromoethane (ethylene dibromide, BrCh2.Ch2Br). Carbon atoms are black, hydrogen are white, and bromine are red. 1,2- dibromoethane is a colourless, sweet-smelling liquid. It is manufactured by passing ethene through bromine, or through a mixture of bromine and water. 1,2-dibromoethane was used in leaded petrols to combine with lead formed from the decomposition of lead tetraethyl. It is also used to fumigate stored fruit and vegetable produce to kill pests.