NaOBr
NaOBr, sodium hypobromite, is the sodium salt of hypobromous acid. It exists mainly as an unstable aqueous solution and, less commonly, as a solid. In solution it acts as an oxidizing agent and a source of HOBr, the active antimicrobial species.
Preparation typically involves reacting bromine with sodium hydroxide: Br2 + 2 NaOH → NaOBr + NaBr + H2O. The reaction
In aqueous solution, HOBr and OBr- are in equilibrium. The proportion of HOBr, which is more reactive,
Stability is limited: NaOBr solutions decompose slowly, especially with heat or organics. Disproportionation can yield bromide
Applications include municipal and industrial water treatment, pool sanitation, and some bleaching processes where bromine-based sanitizers
Safety: NaOBr is a corrosive oxidizer that irritates skin and eyes. It reacts with acids and reducing