ClOBr

ClOBr is the chemical formula for chlorine oxybromide, a transient interhalogen oxide composed of chlorine, bromine, and oxygen. It is sometimes referred to as chlorine hypobromite in broader discussions of mixed hypohalites, but its naming varies in the literature. In structure, ClOBr is viewed as a Cl–O–Br unit, with the oxygen atom bridging the two halogens; the species is highly reactive and short-lived under ambient conditions.

Stability and occurrence: ClOBr has rarely been isolated as a pure material. It is typically generated in situ in chemical experiments involving chlorine- and bromine-containing oxides and is studied by spectroscopic methods or matrix isolation at very low temperatures. The available evidence suggests it is unstable at room temperature and tends to dissociate into simpler oxides such as ClO and BrO or to form other interhalogen compounds.

Preparation methods: In laboratory studies, ClOBr can be produced transiently by photolysis or reactions of precursors like ClO2, BrO2, or HOCl with Br2 under controlled conditions. Because the compound is highly reactive, it is usually detected indirectly rather than isolated.

Properties and hazards: ClOBr is an oxidizing agent with strong reactivity toward water and organic substrates. It is expected to be toxic and corrosive. Safe handling requires specialized equipment and inert atmospheres in dedicated facilities.

See also: interhalogen compounds, hypohalites, chlorine oxide chemistry.