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What Is Bromide?

Bromide is derived from bromine, a chemical element discovered in the 1800s that is part of the Periodic Chart of Elements. In its liquid state, it can be volatile and harmful to humans, especially if ingested. In its solid form, bromide has become a reliable compound used in various industries, such as manufacturing and agriculture. In powder form, it can be used in pool or spa maintenance.

  1. Roots

    • Antoine Balard, a French chemist, is credited with making the first bromine discovery in 1826. At the time, Balard was working on exploring the content of water in sea marshes. Balard gave bromine its name and is credited with working on other elements like chlorine. By 1860, bromine was being gathered and manufactured on a mass scale. Eventually, bromide was discovered. Bromide is a bromine atom with a charge of minus 1.

    In Liquid Form

    • Before it becomes bromide, bromine is found in liquid form, and it's quite volatile. In fact, it is the only non-metallic periodic table element that is liquid at room temperature. The liquid is reddish-brown and evaporates quickly, creating a bad odor. It reacts somewhat like chlorine, is water-soluble and is highly reactive in water.

    In Nature

    • While bromine can be ionized and turned into bromide, the latter also can be found in nature as bromide salts in crystal rocks. They're typically found in sea water, and they're especially prevalent in the Dead Sea, the world's deepest salt water lake, where they're found in excess of 5,000 parts per million. The United States and Israel are the world's leading producers of bromide.

    Uses

    • Bromide, derived from bromine, can be used in such industries as fumigation, flameproofing, water purification, medicine, sanitation and photography. Bromide also can be produced in a powder form and used in the treatment of pools and hot tubs.

    Dangers

    • In its elemental form, bromine can be lethal. Touching or breathing in more than trace amounts (up to 10 parts per million) can be irritating to the skin and lungs. It can produce sores on the skin and can cause health problems, and even death, if not treated immediately.

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