Bromin

Bromine is a chemical element with the symbol Br and atomic number 35. It is a member of the halogen group, which consists of elements that have seven valence electrons. In its pure form, bromine is a reddish-brown, volatile liquid at room temperature that readily evaporates to form a dense, suffocating vapor. It is the only nonmetal that is liquid under standard conditions.

Bromine was discovered in 1826 by German chemist Carl Jacob Löwig, though Antoine Jérôme Balard independently discovered it the same year and is often credited with its discovery. The element's name comes from the Greek word "bromos," meaning "stench," due to its strong and unpleasant odor.

Bromine is highly reactive and is never found in its elemental form in nature. Instead, it exists as bromide salts in seawater, salt lakes, and underground brine deposits. The extraction of bromine typically involves oxidizing bromide ions with chlorine gas.

The primary uses of bromine compounds include flame retardants, agricultural chemicals, water purification, and in the production of pharmaceuticals and dyes. For example, brominated flame retardants are added to plastics and textiles to slow down combustion. However, some of these compounds have raised environmental concerns due to their persistence and potential toxicity.

Bromine is an essential trace element for some marine organisms, playing a role in their biological processes. In humans, bromine is not considered an essential nutrient, but exposure to high concentrations of bromine vapor can be hazardous, causing irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system.