NaBr

Sodium bromide, with the chemical formula NaBr, is an inorganic salt composed of sodium cations (Na+) and bromide anions (Br−). It forms a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water and adopts the typical ionic lattice of alkali metal halides. In solution, it dissociates into Na+ and Br− ions.

Production and occurrence are tied to bromide-containing brines and seawater. Commercial NaBr is typically produced from salty brines, and it can also be obtained by neutralizing hydrobromic acid (HBr) with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate, or as a byproduct in bromine recovery processes. Natural occurrences of sodium bromide as a distinct mineral are rare; bromide ions are more commonly encountered in brine solutions and seawater.

Applications and uses are diverse. Sodium bromide serves as a source of bromide ions in organic synthesis and as a reagent in the preparation of other brominating agents. It has historical importance in photography as a component of silver bromide emulsions used in film and paper sensitive to light. It is also employed in qualitative and quantitative bromide tests and as a laboratory reference or calibrating material for bromide measurements.

Historically, sodium bromide was used in medicines as a sedative and anticonvulsant, though such medical applications have largely been replaced by modern drugs. In contemporary practice, its primary roles are chemical synthesis, materials science, and analytical chemistry.

Safety and handling are straightforward: NaBr is relatively low in acute toxicity, but ingestion of large amounts can be harmful. Concentrated acids can release corrosive hydrogen bromide gas when in contact with bromide salts, so proper ventilation and protective equipment are advised. As with all bromide salts, long-term exposure should be avoided.