brometo

Brometo, in chemistry, designates compounds containing the bromide ion Br− or salts derived from bromine. The bromide ion is the conjugate base of hydrobromic acid (HBr) and, in aqueous solution, behaves as a typical halide ion. Bromides are widely studied for their reactivity and applications.

Common bromide salts include sodium bromide NaBr, potassium bromide KBr, ammonium bromide NH4Br, and many metal bromides such as zinc bromide ZnBr2. These salts are generally soluble in water (like NaBr and KBr) or highly soluble; some heavier metal bromides have different solubility properties.

Occurrence and production: Bromide occurs naturally in seawater and brines; minerals include bromargyrite (AgBr). Industrially, bromide is obtained from brines or by halogen displacement from bromated salts and from reactions involving elemental bromine.

Applications: Silver bromide (AgBr) is a key component of traditional photographic emulsions. Potassium bromide was used historically as a sedative and anticonvulsant; its medical use has declined due to side effects and the availability of safer drugs. Bromide salts also serve as reagents in chemical synthesis and catalysis.

Safety and environmental aspects: High levels of bromide exposure can result in bromism, with neurological and dermatological symptoms. Bromides can affect aquatic systems; disposal and regulatory measures address their use in research and industry to limit environmental release.