Bromine Facts

Bromine is a chemical element which is a member of the halogen family along with fluorine, chlorine, iodine and astatine. In the periodic table, it is placed in group 7 in between chlorine and iodine. In chemistry, it is denoted by the symbol Br. Bromine was discovered in the year 1826. Interestingly, two scientists isolated the element at the same time but they were working independently. This nonmetallic element derived its name from the Greek word 'bromos' that means stench. It is well-known that bromine has a strong, irritating odor. Let us have a look at other facts about this element in the following section.

Bromine Facts for Kids

The physical and chemical properties of bromine are quite unique. A few such important characteristics of the element are as follows.

• Elemental bromine can be identified as a thick liquid with a reddish brown color and a strong odor. In fact, it is the only nonmetal in the periodic table that can be found in a liquid state at room temperature. Though it is quite volatile in nature and readily changes into a red vapor with a pungent smell.
• Basically, bromine is abundantly found in nature. However, it is not found in a free state and is available in the form of bromide salts. These salts are highly soluble in water and gets accumulated in the water bodies. For this reason, the main source of bromine is seawater from which it is extracted for commercial uses. The US, Israel and China are the highest producers of this chemical element.
• Its atomic number is 35 and its atomic mass is 79.90. Number of electrons per shell is: 2, 8, 18, 7. As the electronic distribution of the element suggest that it requires just one electron to complete octet in its outermost shell. For this reason, the pure form of bromine is largely found as diatomic molecule with the formula Br₂.
• Bromine dissolves in water but it has higher solubility in various organic solvents such as methanol, carbon disulfide, aliphatic alcohols, acetic acid, etc.
• As compared to other halogens like fluorine or chlorine, bromine is slightly less reactive in nature. Due to its strong oxidizing properties, it reacts with metals quite vigorously, particularly if it takes place in presence of water, to form bromide salts. It also shows high reactivity towards organic compounds, especially, under favorable light conditions.

Uses of Bromine

Even though it was discovered in 1826, bromine was extracted in a large scale only in 1860, but its usuage started much before that. A purple colored excretion obtained from specific mollusks was used as a dye. However, nobody knew at that time that it was a bromine compound. Today, bromine and its compounds have many other important uses. It has excellent bleaching properties and is used as a disinfectant in swimming pools. It is used for producing brominated vegetable oil which is added to citrus flavored soft drinks. A major industrial application of this element is in the manufacture of brominated flame retardant. It consists of hydrobromic acid, which is made of hydrogen and bromine. It plays a major role in blocking the reaction between oxygen and fire and controls the flames. Several bromide compounds are used as a component in water purification compounds, clothing dyes, flame-retardants in plastics, drilling fluids, etc. Potassium bromide is widely used for the purpose of photographic developers. Here, it serves as a source of bromide ions which are needed for making of silver bromide used in photographic films.

Hope you enjoyed reading about the interesting bromine facts provided in this article. Bromine is toxic in nature and causes skin irritation if it comes in direct contact with the skin. Therefore, it should be handled with great care. Still, if you get exposed to bromine accidentally, then you must wash your body with soap and water and visit a doctor immediately.