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Bromine

What is Bromine

Bromine (pronounced as BRO-meen) is a volatile, oily liquid halogen with an intermediate reactivity between chlorine and iodine. A diatomic element, it is denoted by the chemical symbol Br [2]. In its gaseous state, also called as bromine gas, it is represented by the chemical formula Br2 [1].

Bromine Symbol

Isotopes

It has 26 isotopes with mass numbers ranging from 68 to 94 of which only Br-79 and Br-81 are the commonly occuring ones, having a stable half-life.  [3].

Where is Bromine Found

Br exists naturally in brine deposits found in Israel, USA, and China from where it is extracted through electrolysis. It also occurs in seawater, commonly in the bromide-rich Dead Sea near Israel [1].

Bromine

History

Origin of its Name: Its name has been derived from the Greek word ‘bromos’, meaning stench [1].

Who Discovered it: Antoine-Jerome Balard and Carl Lowig

When and Where was Bromine Discovered

While evaporating a sample of salty water from Montpellier, France, he found some residue through which chlorine gas was passed. In this process, he extracted some orange-red liquid that was believed to be a new element. In 1826, his discovery details were sent to the French Academy’s journal. However, a year ago, a student from Heidelberg called Carl Lowig had produced the same element from the waters of a natural spring at Keruznach, his hometown. He showed it to his professor, Leopold Gmelin, who asked him to produce more, but since the former got busy with his exams, Balard published his results and became the discoverer [1, 2].

Bromine Pictures

Identification

Atomic number 35 [1]
CAS number 7726-95-6 [1]
Position in the periodic table [1] Group Period Block
17 4 p

Where is Bromine Located on the Periodic Table

Classification, Properties and Characteristics of Bromine

General Properties

Relative atomic mass 79.904 [1]
Atomic mass/weight 79.904 atomic mass units [7]
Molar mass (molecular weight) 192.217 g/mole [3, 8]
Mass Number 80

Physical Properties

Color/physical appearance Deep-red [1]
Odor Strong
Melting point/freezing point -7.2°C (19°F) [1]
Boiling point 58.8°C (137.8°F) [1]
Density 3.1028 g/cm3 [1]
Standard/Natural state at room temperature (solid/liquid/gas) Liquid [1]

Magnetic Properties [9]

Magnetic type Diamagnetic
Molar magnetic susceptibility -7.83×10-10 m3/mol
Mass magnetic susceptibility -4.9×10-9 m3/kg
Volume magnetic susceptibility -0.0000153

Chemical Properties

Flammability Non-flammable [10]
Oxidation state/Oxidation number −1, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5, +7 [1]

Bromine Lewis (Electron) Dot Structure

Atomic Data of Bromine (Element 35)

Valence electrons 7 [12]
Quantum numbers [11]
– n 4
– ℓ 1
– m 0
– ms -1/2
Electron configuration (noble gas configuration) [Ar] 3d104s24p5[1]
Atomic structure [8]
– Number of Electrons 35
– Number of Neutrons 45
– Number of Protons 35
Radius of atom
Atomic Radius 1.85 Å [1]
Electronegativity 2.96 [13]
– Covalent Radius 1.17 Å [1]
Ionization energy [1]

(kJmol-1)

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th
1139.859 2083.215 3473 4563.8 5760.2 8548.6 9938

Bromine Atomic Structure (Bohr Model)

What is Bromine Used for

  • The element is used in dyes, agricultural products, water sanitizers, insecticides, chemical intermediates, and pharmaceuticals [1, 10].
  • It is used as a food additive in brominated vegetable oils, and also as an emulsifier in cold drinks [10].
  • Some organic compounds containing bromide and carbon are used in halon fire extinguishers [1].
  • Zinc-bromine batteries have been useful in generating power supply to remote areas [14].

Does the Element Have Any Toxic Hazards

Accidental consumption of the liquid halogen or its compounds can lead to nausea and vomiting while inhalation of Br gas could cause respiratory distress, headache, and dizziness. Skin contact with its vapor or liquid is known to cause irritation and burns [6]. In fact, it’s presence as potassium bromate in wheat flours used to make bread have been linked to serious health risks.

Interesting Facts

  • 1,2-dibromoethane made from bromine was used as a gasoline additive before unleaded fuels came into use [1].
  • An expensive dye called Tyrian purple used during the ancient Roman period was produced by a bromine compound found in murex, a sea mussel [2].
  • Bromine gas is heavier than air [6].

Bromine Cost

The price of pure bromine liquid may vary between $5 and $6 per 100 grams.

    References

  1. http://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/35/bromine
  2. https://education.jlab.org/itselemental/ele035.html
  3. https://education.jlab.org/itselemental/iso035.html
  4. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Dibromine#section=Computed-Properties
  5. https://www.chemicool.com/elements/bromine.html
  6. https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/bromine/basics/facts.asp
  7. http://hobart.k12.in.us/ksms/PeriodicTable/bromine.htm
  8. https://www.convertunits.com/molarmass/Bromine
  9. http://periodictable.com/Elements/035/data.html
  10. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/316642/Bromine_guidance.pdf
  11. http://chemistry-reference.com/q_elements.asp?Symbol=Br&language=en
  12. https://bromine2015.weebly.com/
  13. https://sciencenotes.org/list-of-electronegativity-values-of-the-elements/
  14. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0378775391800597

2 responses to “Bromine”

  1. Year of discovery?

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