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Atomic Number: 35
Atomic Symbol: Br
Atomic Weight: 79.904
Electron Configuration: [Ar]4s23d104p5
History
(Gr. bromos, stench) Discovered by Balard in 1826, but not prepared
in quantity until 1860.
Sources
A member of the halogen group of elements, it is obtained from
natural brines from wells in Michigan and Arkansas. Little bromine is extracted
today from seawater, which contains only about 85 ppm.
Properties
Bromine is the only liquid nonmetallic element. It is a heavy,
mobile, reddish-brown liquid, volatilizing readily at room temperature to a red
vapor with a strong disagreeable odor, resembling chlorine, and having a very
irritating effect on the eyes and throat; it is readily soluble in water or
carbon disulfide, forming a red solution, is less active than chlorine but more
so than iodine; it unites readily with many elements and has a bleaching action;
when spilled on the skin it produces painful sores. It presents a serious health
hazard, and maximum safety precautions should be taken when handling it.
Production
Much of the bromine output in the U.S. was used in the production of
ethylene dibromide, a lead scavenger used in making gasoline antiknock
compounds. Lead in gasoline, however, has been drastically reduced, due to
environmental considerations. This will greatly affect future production of
bromine.
Uses
Bromine is used in making fumigants, flameproofing agents, water
purification compounds, dyes, medicinals, sanitizers, inorganic bromides for
photography, etc. Organic bromides are also important.
Sources: CRC Handbook of Chemistry and
Physics and the American Chemical Society.
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