káliumbrómid

Potassium bromide, often abbreviated as KBr, is an ionic salt with the chemical formula KBr. It is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water. Historically, potassium bromide was widely used as an anticonvulsant and sedative. It works by depressing the central nervous system, and in veterinary medicine, it continues to be used to treat seizures in dogs.

The compound is formed by the reaction of potassium hydroxide with hydrobromic acid. It can also be produced through other chemical reactions, such as the reaction of potassium carbonate with iron(III) bromide. In photography, potassium bromide was formerly used as a restrainer in developing solutions to prevent fogging.

While its medicinal use has largely been superseded by more modern and safer pharmaceuticals, potassium bromide still finds applications in various fields. Its hygroscopic nature means it can absorb moisture from the air. In industrial processes, it can be used as a brominating agent. Due to its sedative properties, it has also been used in certain over-the-counter sleep aids, though its use is restricted in many regions due to potential side effects and toxicity with prolonged use. In its pure form, it is considered a relatively safe chemical to handle with standard laboratory precautions.