Basic information
- CAS
7726-95-6- Standard SMILES
BrBr- InChIKey
GDTBXPJZTBHREO-UHFFFAOYSA-N- Molecular formula
- Br2
- Average molar mass
- 159.81 g/mol
- Monoisotopic mass
- 157.83668
Names & identifiers
- Preferred name
- Bromine
- IUPAC
- molecular bromine
- English name
- Bromine
- Molecular formula
- Br2
- Molecular weight
- 159.81
Names & synonyms
Show more names
Database identifiers
- CAS
7726-95-6- PubChem CID
- 24408
- DTXSID
DTXSID1035238- ChEBI
CHEBI:29224- UNII
- SBV4XY874G
- EC Number
- 231-778-1
- Nikkaji
- J2.253.101H
Properties
Computed structural properties
- XLogP
- 1.9
- Topological polar surface area
- 0 Ų
- Hydrogen bond donors
- 0
- Hydrogen bond acceptors
- 0
- Rotatable bonds
- 0
- Heavy atoms
- 2
- Formal charge
- 0
- Complexity
- 0
Experimental & physicochemical properties
Odor
Suffocating odor
Bleachy, penetrating
Density
3.1023 at 77 °F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink
3.1023 at 25 °C/4 °C
Vapor density: 5.51 (Air = 1); bromine reacts with aluminum reacts vigorously and explosively with potassium
Relative density (water = 1): 3.1
3.1023
3.1028 @25 °C
Viscosity
0.134 cSt at 20 °C; 0.288 cSt at 30 °C; 0.264 cSt at 40 °C; 0.245 at 50 °C
0.264 mm²/s at 40 °C
Color/Form
Dark reddish-brown, volatile, mobile diatomic liquid; vaporizes at room temperature
Dense, dark red, mobile liquid; vaporizes readily at room temperature to give a red vapor
Solubility
4 % (NIOSH, 2024)
Solubility in water (25 °C): 0.2141 mol/L with formation of 0.00115 mol/L of HOBr
In water, 33.6 g/L at 25 °C
Water solubility: 35.8 g/L at 20 °C; 41.7 g/L at 0 °C
Freely soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, carbon disulfide, concentrated hydrochloride acid, aq solutions of bromides
Bromine is soluble in nonpolar solvents and in certain polar solvents such as alcohol and sulfuric acid. It is miscible with ... many halogenated solvents.
Corrosivity
Corrosive material
Vapor is highly corrosive to many materials and human tissue
Attacks most metals, including platinum and palladium; dry bromine does not attack lead, nickel, magnesium, tantalum, iron, zinc or (below 300 °C) sodium
Boiling Point
139.2 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
58.8 °C
58.8 °C
139 °F
58.8 °C @760 [mm Hg]
139 °F
Melting Point
19 °F (EPA, 1998)
-7.2 °C
-7.2 °C
19 °F
-7.2 °C
19 °F
Vapor Density
5.51 at 59 °F (EPA, 1998) - Heavier than air; will sink (Relative to Air)
7.139 g/L at 0 °C, 101.3 kPa
Relative vapor density (air = 1): 5.5
5.51
Odor Threshold
Odor Threshold Low: 0.0099 [ppm];Odor Threshold High: 0.46 [ppm];Odor threshold from AIHA (<0.0099-0.46 ppm)
ODOR THRESHOLDS OF 0.05-3.5 PPM HAVE BEEN REPORTED.
Odor low 0.329 mg/cu m; Odor high 24.5 mg/cu m
Air odor threshold: 0.051 ppm (v/v); water odor threshold: 0.0063 ppm (w/v)
Vapor Pressure
172 mmHg at 69.08 °F (EPA, 1998)
212.0 [mmHg]
212 mm Hg at 25 °C
Vapor pressure, kPa at 20 °C: 23.3
172 mmHg
75 [mm Hg] @2.5 °C
Physicochemical properties
- Melting point
- 7.2 °C · −7.2 °C(lit.)
- Boiling point
- 58.8 °C · 58.8 °C(lit.)
- Density
- 3.119 g/mL · 3.119 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.)
- vapor density
- 7.14 · 7.14 (vs air)
- vapor pressure
- 175 mm · 175 mm Hg ( 20 °C)
- Flash point
- 113 °C · 113 °C
- storage temp.
- 2 · 2-8°C
- solubility
- 35 g/l · 35g/l
- form
- Liquid
- pka
- 7.91 · 7.91(Solvent: Water)
- Specific Gravity
- 3.119 · 3.119
- color
- Red-brown
- Odor
- 0.05 ppm; · Odor can be detected at concentrations as low as 0.05 ppm; exposure to concentrations below 1 ppm causes lacrimation.
- Resistivity
- 7.8 E18 · 7.8E18 μΩ-cm, 20°C
- Water Solubility
- 35 g/L · 35 g/L (20 ºC)
- Electrical Conductivity
- 1 · 1× 10-10S/m
- Thermal Conductivity
- 0.12 W/ · 0.12 W/(m·K)
- Specific Heat Capacity
- 0.47 J/ · Cp(liquid): 0.47 J/(g·K); Cp(gas): 0.23 J/(g·K), at 25℃
- Merck
- 13 · 13,1378
- Henry's Law Constant
- 7.2 · 7.2×10-3 mol/(m3Pa) at 25℃, Burkholder et al. (2019)
- Exposure limits
- 0.1 ppm · ACGIH:TLV-TWA 0.1 ppm (0.66 mg/m3); TLV-STEL 0.2 ppm (1.3 mg/m3)OSHA:PEL-TWA 0.1 ppm (0.7 mg/m3)NIOSH:REL-TWA 0.1 ppm; REL-STEL 0.3 ppm
- Stability
- Stable. Incompatible with reducing agents, alkali metals, powdered metals, steel, iron, copper, organic materials.
- InChI
- 1S/BrH/h1H/p-1
- InChIKey
- CPELXLSAUQHCOX-UHFFFAOYSA-M
- SMILES
- [Br-]
- CAS DataBase Reference
- 7726 · 7726-95-6(CAS DataBase Reference)
- NIST Chemistry Reference
- Bromine(7726-95-6)
- EPA Substance Registry System
- Bromine(7726-95-6)
- UNSPSC Code
- 41116105 · 41116105
- NACRES
- 21 · NA.21
- Symbol(GHS)
- 5 · GHS05,GHS06,GHS08,GHS09
- Signal word
- Danger
- Hazard statements
- 302 · H302-H314-H331-H340-H351-H400-H330
- Precautionary statements
- 201 · P201-P261-P273-P280-P305+P351+P338-P310-P260-P284-P303+P361+P353-P304+P340-P320-P405-P501a
- Hazard Codes
- T+,C,N,T
- Risk Statements
- 26 · 26-35-50-40-22-46-45
- Safety Statements
- 26 · 26-45-61-7/9-36/37/39-28-53
- RIDADR
- 1744 · UN 1744 (BROMINE or BROMINE SOLUTION)
- WGK Germany
- 2 · 2
- RTECS
- 9100000 · EF9100000
- TSCA
- TSCA listed
- HS Code
- 2801 · 2801 30 90
- HazardClass
- 8 · 8
- PackingGroup
- I
- Storage Class
- 6.1 B · 6.1B - Non-combustible, acute toxic Cat. 1 and 2very toxic hazardous materials
- Hazard Classifications
- 1 InhalationAquatic · Acute Tox. 1 InhalationAquatic Acute 1Eye Dam. 1Skin Corr. 1A
- Toxicity
- 50 oral · LD50 oral (rat) 2600 mg/kg LC50 inhal (rat) 2700 mg/m3 PEL (OSHA) 0.1 ppm TLV-TWA (ACGIH) 0.1 ppm (0.7 mg/m3) STEL (ACGIH) 0.3 ppm (2 mg/m3)
- IDLA
- 3 ppm · 3 ppm
- REACH Registrations
- Active
- Excepted Quantities
- Forbidden
Safety & regulation
GHS classification
GHS Classification
Danger
H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation];H330: Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation];H400: Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]
P260, P264, P271, P273, P280, P284, P301+P330+P331, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P320, P321, P363, P391, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)
This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 0.1% (1 of 725) of reports.
Hazard information
Regulatory Information
Chemical: Bromine
Bromine is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Bromine are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)
Status: Active Update: 21-04-2023 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/15150;Status: Active Update: 28-03-2018 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/23370
Bromine: HSNO Approval: HSR002917 Approved with controls
The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)
DOT Label
Corrosive Poison Inhalation Hazard
Corrosive Poison Inhalation Hazard
Fire Hazards
Will cause ignition of organic materials spontaneous ignition possible when combined with potassium, phosphorus and tin and a wide variety of other chemicals. It reacts explosively with acetylene, acrylonitrile, ammonia, dimethyl formamide, ethyl phosphine, hydrogen, isobutyrophenone, nickel carbonyl, nitrogen triiodide, ozone, oxygen difluoride, phosphorus, potassium, silver azide, sodium and sodium carbide. When heated it emits highly toxic fumes and will react with water or steam to product toxic and corrosive fumes. Bromine is incompatible with a wide variety of materials including alkali hydroxides; arsenites; ferrous, mercurous salts; hypophosphites and other oxidizable substances. Vaporizes rapidly at room temperature. (EPA, 1998)
Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:;Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. For electric vehicles or equipment, ERG Guide 147 (lithium ion or sodium ion batteries) or ERG Guide 138 (sodium batteries) should also be consulted. (ERG, 2024)
· Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes.;· Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).;· Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.;· Containers may explode when heated.;· For electric vehicles or equipment, GUIDE 147 (lithium ion or sodium ion batteries) or GUIDE 138 (sodium batteries) should also be consulted.
Not combustible but enhances combustion of other substances. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion. Heating will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Risk of fire and explosion. See Chemical Dangers.
Health Hazards
Inhalation exposure to 11-23 mg/m3 produces severe choking. 30-60 mg/m3 is extremely dangerous. 200 mg/m3 is fatal in a short time. Vapors can cause acute as well as chronic poisoning. It has cumulative properties. It is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. Poisoning is due to the corrosive action on the gastrointestinal tract. Nervous, circulatory and renal disturbances occur after ingestion. Ingestion of liquid can cause death due to circulatory collapse and asphyxiation from swelling of the respiratory tract. The lowest oral lethal dose reported for humans is 14 mg/kg. The lowest lethal inhalation concentration reported for humans is 1000 ppm. (EPA, 1998)
Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:;TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental contamination. (ERG, 2024)
· TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death.;· Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes.;· Avoid any skin contact.;· Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.;· Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental contamination.
Hazards Summary
Liquid causes second or third degree burns after short contact; [CHRIS] Highly corrosive to skin; [Quick CPC] Listed as one of major irritant airborne toxicants; [LaDou, p. 563] A lachrymator; [HSDB] Causes lachrymation; A corrosive substance that can cause pulmonary edema; [ICSC] Bromide compounds have been used since the 19th century as sedatives and anticonvulsants. Because of the risk of chronic bromide poisoning (bromism), bromide salts were removed from most pharmaceuticals in the US by 1978. The findings of bromism include neuropsychiatric symptoms and acne. [Ford, p. 559] The bromide ion has a long half-life so that bioaccumulation and delayed toxicity may be observed. [Goldfrank, p. 1066] When spilled in water Bromine trifluoride and Bromine pentafluoride can release HF and Bromine. [ERG 2016] See the Process, Toxic Gas from Spilling Chemical in Water.
DOT ID and Guide
1744 154
1744 154
Reactive Group
Oxidizing Agents, Strong;Halogenating Agents
Oxidizing Agents, Strong;Halogenating Agents;Water and Aqueous Solutions
Special Reports
European Chemicals Bureau; IUCLID Dataset, Bromine (CAS # 7726-95-6)
IPCS INCHEM; Poisons Information Monographs, Bromine (PIM 080)
Dillon HK; Methods Development for Sampling and Analysis of Chlorine, Chlorine dioxide, Bromine, and Iodine;NTIS Report PB83-246363 (SORI-EAS-82-828): 30 (1983). Sampling & analysis methods developed for the detection of toxic oxidants such as bromine, chlorine, chlorine dioxide & iodine in air.
Dillon HK; Methods Development for Sampling and Analysis of Chlorine, Chlorine Dioxide, Bromine, and Iodine; NTIS Report PB83-244988 (SORI-EAS-82-672): 50 (1983). Sampling & analysis methods developed for the detection of bromine in workplace air.
For more Special Reports (Complete) data for BROMINE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.
Safety & protection
Fire Fighting
Wear positive pressure breathing apparatus and special protective clothing. Move containers from fire area. Cool containers that are exposed to flames with water.;Nonflammable, but a strong oxidizer. Extinguish with dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, fog or foam. (EPA, 1998)
Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:;SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.;LARGE FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.;FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. (ERG, 2024)
In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media. In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water.
First Aid Measures
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer immediately for medical attention.
First rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again. Put clothes in sealable container. Refer immediately for medical attention.
Rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible). Refer immediately for medical attention.
Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer immediately for medical attention.
Accidental Release Measures
· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.;· Keep unauthorized personnel away.;· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.;· Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.;· Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing.;· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.;· Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.;· Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers.;· DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS.
First Aid
Warning: Effects may be delayed for several hours. Caution is advised.;Signs and Symptoms of Acute Bromine Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to bromine may include hypotension (low blood pressure), tachycardia (rapid heart rate), cyanosis (blue tint to the skin and mucous membranes), and circulatory collapse. Neurological effects may include headache, dizziness, delirium, stupor, and shock. Gastrointestinal effects may include vomiting (vomitus may be blue), diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloody stools. Nephritis with oliguria (scanty urination) and anuria (absence of urine formation) has been reported. Bromine is irritating to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes; brown discoloration of the mucous membranes, lips, and tongue may be observed. Lacrimation (tearing), photophobia (heightened sensitivity to light), nosebleeds, coughing, asphyxiation, and pulmonary edema may also occur. A burning pain in the mouth and esophagus generally follows ingestion.;Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to bromine may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying and supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.;Inhalation Exposure:;1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to bromine.;2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.;3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.;4. Transport to a health care facility.;Dermal/Eye Exposure:;1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to bromine.;2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.;3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.;4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed IMMEDIATELY with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.;5. IMMEDIATELY wash exposed skin areas THOROUGHLY with soap and water.;6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.;7. Transport to a health care facility.;Ingestion Exposure:;1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.;2. DO NOT induce vomiting or attempt to neutralize!;3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:;Refer to the "General First Aid" section. Specific First Aid: For corrosives, in case of contact, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 30 minutes. Additional flushing may be required. (ERG, 2024)
General First Aid:;· Call 911 or emergency medical service.;· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.;· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.;· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.;· If victim is not breathing:;-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.;-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).;-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.;· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.;· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.;· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.;· For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.;· Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.;· Keep victim calm and warm.;· Keep victim under observation.;· For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.;· Note: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be done by trained professionals.;Specific First Aid:;· For corrosives, in case of contact, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 30 minutes. Additional flushing may be required.
(General first aid procedures);Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.;Skin: Soap wash immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing, wash the skin with soap and water, and get medical attention promptly.;Breathing: Respiratory support;Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.
Safe Storage
Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from food and feedstuffs. See Chemical Dangers. Cool. Dry. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room. Store only in original container. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
Exposure Control and Personal Protection
· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).;· Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE.;· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.
TIH (Toxic Inhalation Hazard) - Term used to describe gases and volatile liquids that are toxic when inhaled. Some are TIH materials themselves, e.g., chlorine, and some release TIH gases when spilled in water, e.g., chlorosilanes. [ERG 2016].
Fire Fighting Procedures
If material involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty). Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use water spray to knock-down vapors.
Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Advice for firefighters: Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.
May intensify fire; oxidizer.
Fire Fighting Procedures: Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Use appropriate extinguishing agents on nearby combustible fires.
Storage Conditions
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities: Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Do not store in polyethylene containers. Handle and open container with care.
Storage Recommendations: Store in cool, dry, well-venilated location. Separate from oxidizing materials.
Cleanup Methods
1) VENTILATE AREA OF SPILL OR LEAK. 2) COLLECT FOR RECLAMATION OR ABSORB IN VERMICULITE, DRY SAND, EARTH, OR A SIMILAR MATERIAL OR POUR SODIUM THIOSULFATE OR LIME WATER OVER SMALL SPILLS.
Soln or slurries of 10-50% potassium carbonate, 10-13% sodium carbonate, & 5-10% sodium bicarbonate or saturated "hypo" soln (prepared by dissolving 4 kg of technical-grade sodium thiosulfate in 9.5 l of water & adding 113 g of soda ash) are preferred neutralizing agents for liquid bromine spills.
A 5% lime slurry or 5% sodium hydroxide soln may be used, but heats of reaction are higher for these reagents. Ammonia soln should not be applied to liquid spills because of the high heat of reaction & nitrogen evolution. Anhydrous ammonia gas is useful for neutralization of bromine fumes.
Accidental Release Measures. Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Wear respiratory protection. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Spill or Leak Procedures: Stop or control the leak, if this can be done without undue risk. Use water spray to cool and disperse vapors and protect personnel. Use soda ash to neutralize liquid. Control runoff and isolate discharged material for proper disposal.
Nonfire Spill Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:;ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2024)
Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:;ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2024)
Disposal Methods
SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.
Waste treatment methods. Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.
SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.
Toxicology
Treatment
Bromine should be washed with water from any areas of dermal or ocular contact. If inhaled, treatment is mainly symptomatic and may include maintaining an adequate airway, administering oxygen, antibronchospasm therapy, and/or antibiotics. (L626)
Health Effects
Bromine vapour causes irritation and direct damage to the mucous membranes. Elemental bromine also burns the skin. The bromide ion is a central nervous system depressant and chronic exposure produces neuronal effects. This is called bromism and can result in central reactions reaching from somnolence to coma, cachexia, exicosis, loss of reflexes or pathologic reflexes, clonic seizures, tremor, ataxia, loss of neural sensitivity, paresis, papillar edema of the eyes, abnormal speech, cerebral edema, delirium, aggressiveness, and psychoses. (L625, L626, L627)
Ecotoxicity Values
LC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water flea) age < or = 24 hr; Conditions: freshwater, static, 22 °C, pH 8.0 (7.4-9.4), hardness 173 mg/L CaCO3, dissolved oxygen >60%; Concentration: 1500 ug/L for 24 hr (95% confidence interval: 1000-2200 ug/L)
LC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water flea) age < or = 24 hr; Conditions: freshwater, static, 22 °C, pH 8.0 (7.4-9.4), hardness 173 mg/L CaCO3, dissolved oxygen >60%; Concentration: 1000 ug/L for 48 hr (95% confidence interval: 460-2200 ug/L)
LC50; Species: Lepomis macrochirus (Bluegill); Conditions: freshwater, static; Concentration: 0.52 ppm for 24 hr (95% confidence interval: 0.38-0.83 ppm)
LC50; Species: Oncorhynchus mykiss (Rainbow trout); Conditions: freshwater, static; Concentration: 0.31 ppm for 24 hr (95% confidence interval: 0.28-0.35 ppm)
Environmental Fate
TERRESTRIAL FATE: Volatilization of bromine from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.32X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(1). Bromine is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 212 mm Hg at 25 °C(2). Bromine is reportedly vaporized rapidly at room temperature(3). Bromine will slowly be reduced to bromide by natural oxidizable materials in water and soil(4).
AQUATIC FATE: Volatilization of bromine from water surfaces is expected(1) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 1.32X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(2). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(1), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 4.5 hours and 5 days, respectively(SRC). When bromine dissolves in water, it partially disproportionates into HOBr (hypobromous acid) and HBr(3). Above pH 3, the fraction present as Br2 decreases and HOBr is formed(4); between pH 6 and pH 8, most of the bromine is present as HOBr(4). Bromine will slowly be reduced to bromide by natural oxidizable materials in water and soil(4). Bromine absorbs at wavelengths >290 nm(5) and, therefore, may be susceptible to direct photolysis on water surfaces exposed to sunlight(SRC).
ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), bromine, which has a vapor pressure of 212 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase bromine is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 8.6 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 4.5X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). The reaction of bromine with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals yields the bromide radical and HOBr(3). Bromine absorbs at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and, therefore, may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).
Adverse Effects
Neurotoxin - Other CNS neurotoxin;Dermatotoxin - Skin burns.;Lacrimator (Lachrymator) - A substance that irritates the eyes and induces the flow of tears.;Toxic Pneumonitis - Inflammation of the lungs induced by inhalation of metal fumes or toxic gases and vapors.
Exposure Routes
Serious local effects by all routes of exposure.
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Oral (L626) ; inhalation (L626) ; dermal (L626)
Toxicity Summary
IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Bromine is a dark reddish-brown, volatile, mobile diatomic liquid; vaporizes at room temperature. Pure bromine is used in the synthesis of a variety of bromine containing substances. Other uses for bromine include flame retardants, cleaning agents, dyestuffs, photography, water sanitation, pharmaceuticals, bleaching fibers and silk. Bromine is registered for use in water filters to purify drinking water aboard US Naval ships and offshore oil well platforms. It is also used as a general disinfectant and sanitizer in indoor, non-food contact areas such as commercial establishments, hospitals and households, to control bacteria and fungi. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Inhalation of the irritant bromine vapors or direct contact with the liquid or vapor with skin and mucous membranes will produce direct tissue injury. Injury may occur at various levels of the respiratory tract depending upon the concentration of bromine and the duration of exposure. Pure bromine liquid or vapor is extremely irritating to the skin. Unlike other chemical agents, there is no immediate visible skin reaction after contact. The delay before initial signs or injury become apparent often results in more extreme damage. The most common local effects are blister formation, brownish discoloration of the skin and slow healing ulcers. Exposure to low concentrations produces lacrimation, rhinorrhea, eye irritation, coughing, dyspnea, choking, wheezing, epistaxis and headache. A brownish discoloration of the tongue and buccal mucosa may result and be accompanied by a characteristic breath odor. Inflammatory lesions of the upper airway, photophobia and blepharospasm are noted at higher levels. Upper and lower respiratory tract: delayed or immediate bronchoconstriction and the development of laryngeal spasm, glottal edema and asthma. With increased parenchymal penetration, there may be associated peribronchiolar abscesses, pulmonary infiltrates consistent with chemical pneumonitis
Bromine is a powerful oxidizing agent and is able to release oxygen free radicals from the water in mucous membranes. These free radicals are also potent oxidizers and produce tissue damage. In additon, the formation of hydrobromic and bromic acids will result in secondary irritation. The bromide ion is also known to affect the central nervous system, causing bromism. This is believed to be a result of bromide ions substituting for chloride ions in the in actions of neurotransmitters and transport systems, thus affecting numerous synaptic processes. (L626, L627, A543)
Ecotoxicity Excerpts
/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Zygotes and young embryos derived from Fucus vesiculosus /bladderwack (seaweed)/ collected in the achipelgo of Stockholm (Sweden) in 1990, growing at a salinity of 6 to 7 S /salinity/, were cultured under different salinity conditions and in media of different bromine concentrations. Optimum salinity was 10 to 12 S for germination (rhizoid initiation) while apical hair formation showed a broader tolerance curve with an optimum at 8 to 14 S. Bromide caused inhibition of early development of F. vesiculosus. At 6 salinity a 50% reduction in germination took place at 10.0 mM Br and at 1.25 mM Br only 4.7% of the embryos developed apical hairs, as compared to 32.7% in the control. Bromine toxicity decreased at higher salinities. The results indicate that F. vesiculosus in the Baltic Sea has diverged from its Altantic progenitors and to some extent acclimated to low salinity. Still, the salinity in the normal environment of the tested population is lower than optimum, leading to a lower degree of germination.
/PLANTS/ Immediate and delayed (24 hr) effects of a 20 min exposure of cowpea primary leaf tissue to 1, 3, or 5 ppm bromine gas was studied. The formation of circular, adaxial and abaxial surface lesions and leaf compression were the most visible changes. At 1 ppm cellular changes such as adaxial depression and anticlinal cell wall interdigitation were reversed when exposed plants were returned to normal environment. At 5 ppm the entire population immediately became irreversibly necrotic.
/PLANTS/ Bromine releases as a consequence of ... production activities has had serious effects upon vegetation in the locale. The first noted manifestation of a problem was damage to coniferous trees near the bromine plants. Needle tip necrosis after 13 to 14 month and 1 to 2 month exposure times was very evident within a 3 mile radius of all bromine facilities sampled. At further distances of 3.5 to 12 miles, tip damage was sporadic, varying from tree to tree, and not evident on 1 to 2 month-exposure needles. The foliage burn and death of trees within 0.5 to 1 mile was extreme. Conifers were decidedly more susceptible to the bromine emissions than were broadleaf trees, shrubs, and grasses. Chlorophyll (a and b) levels were greatly reduced in the conifer trees surrounding the bromine plants. This was taken as a strong indicator of extreme air pollution problems because chlorophyll does not reflect environmental problems until they become overwhelming.
Signs and Symptoms
Cough. Sore throat. Shortness of breath. Wheezing. Laboured breathing. Symptoms may be delayed.
Redness. Burning sensation. Pain. Serious skin burns.
Watering of the eyes. Redness. Blurred vision. Pain. Burns.
Burns in mouth and throat. Burning sensation in the throat and chest. Abdominal pain. Shock or collapse.
dizziness, headache; lacrimation (discharge of tears), epistaxis (nosebleed); cough, feeling of oppression, pulmonary edema, pneumonitis; abdominal pain, diarrhea; measle-like eruptions; eye, skin burns
Bromine vapour causes irritation and direct damage to the mucous membranes. Symptoms include lacrimation, rhinorrhoea, eye irritation with mucous secretions from the oropharyngeal and upper airways, coughing, dyspnoea, choking, wheezing, epistaxis, and headache. The bromide ion is a central nervous system depressant producing ataxia, slurred speech, tremor, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, dizziness, visual disturbances, unsteadiness, headaches, impaired memory and concentration, disorientation and hallucinations. (L626, L627)
Regulatory information
Regulatory Information
Chemical: Bromine
Bromine is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Bromine are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)
Status: Active Update: 21-04-2023 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/15150;Status: Active Update: 28-03-2018 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/23370
Bromine: HSNO Approval: HSR002917 Approved with controls
The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)
FIFRA Requirements
The food additives, bromide ion and residual bromine, may be present in water, potable in accordance with the following conditions: (1) The food additives are present as a result of treating water aboard ships with a polybrominated ion-exchange resin (as a source of bromine) under the supervision of trained personnel. (2) Residual bromine levels are controlled to not exceed 1.0 part per million (ppm) in the final treated water. Control is effected using calibrated recirculating or proportioning bromine feeder equipment and periodic checks of residual bromine using a bromine test kit. To assure safe use of the additives, the label and labeling of the disinfectant formulation containing the food additives shall conform to the label and labeling registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (3) No tolerance is established for bromide ion levels. /Bromide ion and residual bromine/
A tolerance exemption for use of residual bromine in potable water has been granted. In the 1993 Bromine RED, the Agency indicated the need for confirmatory data (i.e., 171-4(f) magnitude of residue in potable water) to alleviate potential concerns about the conversion of bromine into bromate, which is a known carcinogen. In response to the data call-in, two studies were conducted to determine the magnitude of bromate residues in potable water. At the pH level expected for drinking water disinfection on ships/oil platforms, the bromate levels in these studies were non detect. Hence at this time the Agency does not have concerns for the use of bromine as a drinking water disinfectant (on ships/oil platforms). The Agency has evaluated all current registered uses of bromine and has determined based on available data, that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm to any population subgroup will result from exposure to bromine. Therefore, no mitigation measures are needed, and the current tolerances established at 40 CFR180.519 for residues of residual bromine in potable water are now considered reassessed under section 408(q) of the FFDCA.
Based on the reviews of the generic data for the active ingredient bromine, the Agency has sufficient information on the health effects of bromine and on its potential for causing adverse effects to the environment. The Agency has determined that bromine products, labled and used as specified in this Reregistration Eligibility Decision, will not pose unreasonable risks or adverse effects to humans or the environment, and therefore, the Agency concludes that products containing bromine for all uses are eligible for reregistration.
As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions about their continued use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines newer health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether the use of the pesticide does not pose unreasonable risk in accordance to newer saftey standards, such as those described in the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996. Pesticides for which EPA had not issued Registration Standards prior to the effective date of FIFRA '88 were divided into three lists based upon their potential for human exposure and other factors, with List B containing pesticides of greater concern than those on List C, and with List C containing pesticides of greater concern than those on List D. Bromine is found on List D. Case No: 4015; Pesticide type: Insecticide, fungicide, antimicrobial; Case Status: RED Approved 01/94; OPP has made a decision that some/all uses of the pesticide are eligible for reregistration, as reflected in a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) document.; Active ingredient (AI): Bromine; Data Call-in (DCI) Date(s): 11/15/93; AI Status: OPP has completed a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) document for the case/AI.
CERCLA Reportable Quantities
Releases of CERCLA hazardous substances are subject to the release reporting requirement of CERCLA section 103, codified at 40 CFR part 302, in addition to the requirements of 40 CFR part 355. Bromine is an extremely hazardous substance (EHS) subject to reporting requirements when stored in amounts in excess of its threshold planning quantity (TPQ) of 500 lbs.
DHS Chemicals of Interest (COI)
Bromine
1
10000
Toxic chemical that can be released at a facility.
Safety data
- wgk
- 2
- IDLA
- 3 ppm
- tsca
- TSCA listed
- rtecs
- EF9100000
- ridadr
- UN 1744 (BROMINE or BROMINE SOLUTION)
- hs_code
- 2801 30 90
- Toxicity
- LD50 oral (rat) 2600 mg/kg LC50 inhal (rat) 2700 mg/m3 PEL (OSHA) 0.1 ppm TLV-TWA (ACGIH) 0.1 ppm (0.7 mg/m3) STEL (ACGIH) 0.3 ppm (2 mg/m3)
- risk_code
- 26-35-50-40-22-46-45
- Signal word
- Danger
- Symbol(GHS)
- GHS05,GHS06,GHS08,GHS09
- hazard_code
- T+,C,N,T
- safety_code
- 26-45-61-7/9-36/37/39-28-53
- hazard_class
- 8
- Storage Class
- 6.1B - Non-combustible, acute toxic Cat. 1 and 2very toxic hazardous materials
- packing_group
- I
- Hazard statements
- H302-H314-H331-H340-H351-H400-H330
- Excepted Quantities
- Forbidden
- REACH Registrations
- Active
- Hazard Classifications
- Acute Tox. 1 InhalationAquatic Acute 1Eye Dam. 1Skin Corr. 1A
- Precautionary statements
- P201-P261-P273-P280-P305+P351+P338-P310-P260-P284-P303+P361+P353-P304+P340-P320-P405-P501a
Chemistry & industry
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Due to its potent oxidatizing action, bromine liberates nascent oxygen or oxygen free radicals from the water present in mucous membranes. Nascent oxygen is a potent oxidizer, capable of producing tissue damage. The extent of the damage is dependent on the dose of bromine and the availability of water to react with it. In addition, the formation of hydrobromic and bromic acids will result in secondary irritation during the reaction.
Biological Half-Life
Biological half-lives of bromine in 15 different organs and tissues of the rat, in addition to the whole-body half-life, were determined by measuring the radioactive concentration of 82Br-bromide in samples of tissues collected at the time intervals of 12-396 hr from animals that continuously (up to 17 d) received 82Br-labeled bromide in their drinking water. The half-life values, calculated from the experimental data by the method of gradual estimates of the parameters in question with the SPSS statistical program, ranged from 94.3 + or - 14.6 hr in the thyroid gland to 235.0 + or - 88.9 hr in liver. In most of the studied tissues, the biological half-lives of bromine were shorter than in the whole body, in which it equaled 197.8 + or - 22.2 hr. Significant correlation between the values of the steady-state concentration of bromide and of the biological half-life was found for most tissues (except for liver). ...
The biological half-life for bromide through ingestion is 12 to 30 days.
Bromide has a half-life of about 12 days in the human body.
10.5 days and in an average clearance of 0.68 mL/min.
Metabolism/Metabolites
In water, and living organisms, bromine forms bromide.
Bromine is mainly absorbed via inhalation, but may also enter the body through dermal contact. Bromine salts can be ingested. Due to its reactivity, bromine quickly forms bromide and may be deposited in the tissues, displacing other halogens. (L626)
Uses & manufacturing
Uses
Used for bleaching, disinfecting, and manufacturing ethylene dibromide and other organic chemical products (fire extinguishers, analytical and photographic reagents, fire-retardant plastics, dyes, and drugs); [ACGIH] Used to disinfect water and bleach textiles; [Merck Index] Used in photography as a holography bleach; [www.ci.tucson.az.us/arthazards/medium.html]
Using Disinfectants or Biocides [Category: Clean];Sewer and Wastewater Treatment [Category: Industry];Photographic Processing [Category: Other];Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing) [Category: Industry]
For bromine (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 008701) ACTIVE products with label matches. /SRP: Registered for use in the U.S. but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./
Bromine is an active ingredient in four products; two products with multiple active ingredients and two products as the sole active ingredient. The multiple active ingredient products control mold, mildew, fungi, insects, and odors in exposed surfaces of bedding, mattresses, textiles, drapes, upholstered furniture, rugs, carpets, and storage areas. The other two bromine products, formulated as cartridges, are used to disinfect drinking water in nonresidential settings. The ready-to-use liquid products containing bromine as well as other active ingredients are intended for household, farm premises, and animal quarters use. Use of the two drinking water bromine products is for ships and oil rig platforms .
Manufacturing of organic and inorganic chemicals, such as fuel additives, fire retardants, pesticides, oil well drilling fluids, pharmaceuticals, dyestuffs. Brominating agent. In water disinfection; as bleaching agent, surface disinfectant.
CHEMICAL INTERMED FOR ETHYL BROMIDE, METHYL BROMIDE, ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE, OTHER BROMINE CMPD & SALTS; IN BLEACHING AGENTS, DISINFECTING AGENTS
Impurities
Typical, freshly prepared bromine from a modern plant is likely to be at least 99.9% pure. Probable impurities are chlorine, moisture & org material at levels of less than 50 ppm each. Specifications ... for reagent-grade bromine allow up to 0.3% chlorine, 0.05% iodine, 0.002% sulfur, & nonvolatile matter 0.015% maximum.
U.S. Exports
(1975) 2.95X10+10 GRAMS
Bromine: Salient Export Statistics for the United States;Table: Data in metric tons of bromine content [Table#1449]
U.S. Imports
(1975) 2.27X10+7 GRAMS
(1986) 3.42X10+5 lb
Bromine: Salient Import Statistics for the United States;Table: Data in metric tons of bromine content [Table#1450]
U.S. Production
2023: 100,000,000 - <250,000,000 lb;2022: 100,000,000 - <250,000,000 lb;2021: 100,000,000 - <250,000,000 lb;2020: 100,000,000 - <250,000,000 lb
(2005) 725,000,000 lb/yr (capacity)
(1972) 1.7X10+10 GRAMS
(1975) 1.85X10+11 GRAMS
Production volume for non-confidential chemicals reported under the 2006 Inventory Update Rule. Chemical: Bromine. Aggregated National Production Volume: 500 million to < 1 billion pounds.
For more U.S. Production (Complete) data for BROMINE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.
Consumption Patterns
76% AS AN INTERMED FOR ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE, METHYL BROMIDE, CHLOROBROMOMETHANE, AND TRIFLUOROBROMOMETHANE; 14% IN SANITATION PROCESSES; AND 10% IN MISC INTERMED APPLICATIONS (1971)
Flame retardants, 30%; Completion drilling fluids (ie calcium bromide), 28%; Ethylene dibromide, 20%; Agricultural chemicals, primarily methyl bromide, 10%; Exports, 4%; Miscellaneous, especially pool and water treatment chemicals, 8% (1985)
Flame retardant 38%, drilling fluids 22%, sodium bromide solutions 10%, Brominated pesticides (mostly methyl bromide) 8%, water treatment 7%, miscellaneous including photographic chemicals and rubber additives 15%.
Demand, 1996: 425 million lbs; 1997: 435 million lbs; 2001: 480 million lbs
For more Consumption Patterns (Complete) data for BROMINE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.
Methods of Manufacturing
Raw brine is warmed in a heat exchanger and caused to pass successively through two packed towers by gravity flow. In the upper (smaller) tower, it meets a recycle stream of gases from which chlorine and bromine are absorbed. Near the bottom of the lower tower, chlorine and steam are introduced; as they pass upward, the chlorine reacts with bromide in the brine, and a mixture of bromine vapor and chlorine (about 85:15 by weight) with steam is taken off the top. The water and most of the halogens are condensed, the liquid phases enters a gravity separator and the gas goes to the upper tower. From the separator, water containing dissolved halogens is sent to the lower (steaming-out) tower and the heavier bromine layer, containing some chlorine, flows to a fractionating column. The chlorine vapors join the stream to the upper tower while the liquid bromine, about 99 % pure, is drawn off either for direct use in the manufacture of bromine compounds or to be further purified for sale or for more exacting uses.
Water from the ocean is pumped to the top of blowing-out towers, with sulfuric acid and chlorine being added just above the pumps so that mixing takes place during the ascent. About 1.3 kg of 10% sulfuric acid per ton of water is required to neutralize the natural hydrogen carbonates and bring the pH to 3.5; 15% excess chlorine over the theoretical requirement is used. Air is drawn up through the towers, sweeping out a mixture of bromine and chlorine (or bromine chloride) from the descending ocean water. The air is drawn next through absorber towers in which it is scrubbed counter-currently by sodium carbonate solution. ... To remove spray from the air, small packed chambers are interposed between the absorber towers and the fans. When the alkalinity of the scrubber solution is nearly depleted, the solution is brought first to a storage tank and then to a reactor in which it is treated with sulfuric acid and steamed to release bromine.
... Oxidation of the bromide ion in the brine to bromine, removal of bromine vapors from solution, condensation of the vapor, and finally, purification of the product.
The two primary stripping vapors are steam and air. Steam is used when the concentration of bromine in brine is >1000 ppm. The advantage is that bromine can be condensed directly from the steam. Air is used, when seawater is the source of bromine because very large volumes of stripping gas are needed and steam would be too expensive. When air is used the bromine needs to be trapped in an alkaline or reducing solution to concentrate it.
Formulations/Preparations
Grades: Technical; CP; 99.8%; 99.95%.
Solid soluble concentrate, ready-to-use liquid.
Microban Disinfectant Spray (Prorestore Products): Active ingredient: bromine 0.04%, o-phenylphenol 0.22%, and benzenemethanaminium, N,N-dimethyl-N-(2-(2-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenoxy)ethoxy)ethyl)-, chloride 0.7%.
Halopure BR (Halosource, Inc.): Active ingredient: bromine 16.0%.
For more Formulations/Preparations (Complete) data for BROMINE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.
General Manufacturing Information
Adhesive Manufacturing;All Other Basic Organic Chemical Manufacturing;All Other Basic Inorganic Chemical Manufacturing;Pesticide, Fertilizer, and Other Agricultural Chemical Manufacturing;Synthetic Rubber Manufacturing
Bromine: ACTIVE
US Production Capacities for Bromine (million pounds);Table: US production capacities for bromine (million pounds) [Table#1455]
Applications
OccurrenceBromine is the 62nd most abundant element found on Earth. Although it is not founduncombined in nature, it is widely distributed over the Earth in low concentrations. It isfound in seawater at a concentration of 65 ppm. This concentration is too low for the bromineto be extracted directly, so the salt water must be concentrated, along with chlorine and othersalts, by solar evaporation, distillation, or both.Most of the commercial bromine that is recovered comes from underground salt minesand deep brine wells. A major source is the deep brine wells found in the state of Arkansas and Great Salt Lake of Utah in the United States. This brine contains about one-half percentbromine. Chlorine gas is added to hot brine that oxidizes the bromine ions in solution, whichis then collected as elemental bromine. It is also commercially produced, along with potash,from evaporation of the high-salt-content water of the Dead Sea, which is 1290 feet below sealevel and is located on the borders of the Middle Eastern countries of Israel and Jordan.
HistoryBromine was discovered by Balard in 1826, but not prepared in quantity until 1860. 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. Bromine is the only liquid nonmetallic element. Bromine 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. Bromine presents a serious health hazard, and maximum safety precautions should be taken when handling it. 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. Bromine is also used in making fumigants, flameproofing agents, water purification compounds, dyes, medicinals, sanitizers, inorganic bromides for photography, etc. Organic bromides are also important. Natural bromine is made of two isotopes, 79Br and 81Br. Thirty-four isotopes and isomers are known. Bromine (99.8%) costs about $70/kg.
UsesA major use is as a gasoline additive called ethylene dibromide, an antiknock agent thatremoves lead additives from automobile engines after the combustion of leaded gasoline, thuspreventing the lead from forming deposits in the engine. The lead prevents premature burningof the gas/air mixture in the engine’s cylinders that causes the “knocking” sound in the engine.The lead combines with the bromine to form lead bromide, a volatile gas, which is expelledthrough the car’s exhaust system. Ethylene dibromide is a potent carcinogen. Since the introductionof lead free gasoline, this use has declined in importance; recently, other chemicalshave been substituted for the lead as an additive in gasoline.Methyl bromide is used as a pesticide, which is very effective against parasitic nematodes(e.g., hookworms). Silver bromide is used in photography. Compounds of bromide are usedas flame-retardants, water purifiers, dyes, and pharmaceuticals. Bromine has many applicationswhen it is combined with organic compounds. For example, it is used as a reagent tostudy the organic reactions of many other compounds. It is also used as a disinfectant, afumigant, and a sedative. In the nineteenth century, many people took a “bromide” to easetension.
UsesBromine is used for bleaching fibers and silk,as a disinfectant for purifying water, in themanufacture of bromo compounds for dyesand pharmaceutical uses, as an analyticalreagent, and in organic synthesis. It occursin igneous rock and seawater.
Usesmanufacture of organic and inorganic chemicals, such as fuel additives, fire retardants, pesticides, oil well drilling fluids, pharmaceuticals, dyestuffs. In water disinfection; as bleaching agent, surface disinfectant.
General DescriptionA reddish-brown aqueous solution. The solubility of bromine in water equals 0.33 mg/ mL.
Upstream & downstream products
Upstream raw materials
Downstream products
Additional notes
DefinitionNonmetallic halogen element of atomic number 35, group VIIA of the periodic table. Valences 1, 3, 5 (valence of 7 also reported). There are two stable isotopes.
DefinitionA deep red, moderately reactive element belonging to the halogens; i.e. group 17 (formerly VIIA) of the periodic table. Bromine is a liquid at room temperature (mercury is the only other element with this property). It occurs in small amounts in seawater, salt lakes, and salt deposits but is much less abundant than chlorine. Bromine reacts with most metals but generally with less vigor than chlorine. It has less oxidizing power than chlorine and consequently can be released from solutions of bromides by reaction with chlorine gas. The laboratory method is the more convenient oxidation by manganese dioxide. Industrial methods of production utilize oxidation by chlorine or electrolysis with removal from the solution by purging with air. Bromine and its compounds are used in pharmaceuticals, photography, chemical synthesis, fumigants, and in significantly large quantities as 1,2- dibromoethane (which is added to gasoline to combine with lead produced from the decomposition of the antiknock agent lead tetraethyl). The electropositive elements form ionic bromides and the non-metals form fully covalent bromides. Like chlorine, bromine forms oxides, Br2O and BrO2, both of which are unstable. The related oxo-acid anions hypobromite (BrO–) and bromate (BrO3–) are formed by the reaction of bromine with cold aqueous alkali and hot aqueous alkali respectively, but the bromine analogs of chlorite and perchlorate are not known. Bromine and the interhalogens are highly toxic. Liquid bromine and bromine solutions are also very corrosive and goggles and gloves should always be worn when handling such compounds.
DefinitionBromine water: A pale yellow liquid made by reacting mercury(II) oxide with bromine water. It has strong bleaching powers. Bromic(I) acid will donate protons to only a small extent and hence is a weak acid in aqueous solution. It is a strong oxidizing agent.
Definitionbromine: Symbol Br. A halogen element;a.n. 35; r.a.m. 79.909; r.d.3.13; m.p. –7.2°C; b.p. 58.78°C. It is ared volatile liquid at room temperature,having a red-brown vapour.Bromine is obtained from brines inthe USA (displacement with chlorine);a small amount is obtainedfrom sea water in Anglesey. Largequantities are used to make 1,2-dibromoethaneas a petrol additive. Itis also used in the manufacture ofmany other compounds. Chemically,it is intermediate in reactivity betweenchlorine and iodine. It formscompounds in which it has oxidationstates of 1, 3, 5, or 7. The liquid isharmful to human tissue and thevapour irritates the eyes and throat.The element was discovered in 1826by Antoine Balard.
Related reactions
Compound notes
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