EuBr2

EuBr2 is europium(II) bromide, an inorganic salt with the chemical formula EuBr2. It consists of Eu2+ cations and Br− anions and is the bromide of europium in the +2 oxidation state. The molar mass is about 311.77 g/mol.

Preparation of EuBr2 can be achieved by reducing europium(III) bromide with metallic europium or by direct combination of europium metal with bromine at elevated temperature. It can also be produced in situ during certain redox reactions in inorganic syntheses.

EuBr2 forms crystalline solids that are sensitive to air and moisture and readily oxidize to EuBr3 upon exposure to air. In aqueous environments, Eu2+ is not stable and solutions rapidly oxidize to Eu3+. The compound acts as a reducing agent, and its europium(II) center contributes a high magnetic moment, giving paramagnetic behavior associated with the half-filled 4f7 configuration.

Applications of EuBr2 are primarily in research and synthesis. It is used as a precursor to other europium(II) salts and coordination compounds and as a starting material in studies of Eu2+-based materials and redox chemistry. Its reactivity with oxygen and water makes handling under inert or dry conditions common in laboratory settings.

Safety considerations include handling under inert atmosphere or dry, air-free conditions; avoidance of moisture and strong oxidizers; and proper disposal of europium compounds. Like many rare-earth halides, EuBr2 can be irritant and should be managed with appropriate protective equipment.

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