Sodium bromide

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Sodium bromide


IUPAC name	Sodium bromide
Identifiers
CAS number	[7647-15-6]
Properties
Molecular formula	NaBr
Molar mass	102.894 g/mol
Appearance	White powder
Density	3.21 g/cm³, solid
Melting point	755 °C
Boiling point	1390 °C
Solubility in water	73.3 g/100 mL (20 °C) 116.0 g/100 mL (50 °C)
Hazards
MSDS	External MSDS
EU classification	mild irritant (I)
R-phrases	R36, R37, R38.
S-phrases	S26, S37, S39.
Flash point	Non-flammable.
Related compounds
Other anions	NaCl
Other cations	KBr
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

Sodium bromide is a salt with the formula Na Br, widely used as an anticonvulsant and a sedative in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its action is due to the bromide ion (potassium bromide is equally effective). It is a high-melting white, crystalline solid that resembles sodium chloride. It is a widely used source of the bromide ion.

1 Principal chemical reactions
2 Other applications
3 Safety
4 References
5 External links

[edit] Principal chemical reactions

NaBr is widely used in organic synthesis as a nucleophile to convert organochlorine compounds to organobromine derivatives, which are more usefully (selectively) reactive.

NaBr + RCl → RBr + NaCl

Sodium bromide can be used as a source of the chemical element bromine. This can be accomplished by bubbling chlorine gas through an aqueous solution of NaBr.
As a source of HBr, NaBr is treated with a strong, non-volatile acid:

NaBr + H₃PO₄ → HBr + NaH₂PO₄

HBr can also be oxidized to Br₂ using MnO₂ or concentrated H₂SO₄.

[edit] Other applications

as a hypnotic, anticonvulsant, and sedative in medicine. As a source of the bromide ion, which is pharmacologically active, it is equivalent to potassium bromide (see this article for more complete discussion of this topic).
in photography
to establish a bromide ion reserve in a bromine spa (hot tub) antimicrobial treatment regimen.

[edit] Safety

NaBr is harmful if swallowed or inhaled in large amounts, affecting the central nervous system, brain, and eyes (see potassium bromide). The chemical compound causes irritation to the skin, eyes and respiratory system.

[edit] References

This article does not cite any references or sources. (September 2007)
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