Sodium Bromide Chemical

Introduction :

The other name so sodium bromide is sedoneural. It belongs to family of salts. It resembles sodium chloride and has a white crystalline structure. It is odorless. This is an important source for bromide ion. NaBr is the chemical formula of sodium bromide. It is completely soluble in water and exhibits partial solubility in acids. It has resemblance to sodium chloride.

Chemical Reactions & Uses of Sodium Bromide:

Alkyl chlorides are converted to alkyl bromides using NaBr. This is called Finkelstein reaction.
NaBr + RCl `|->` RBr + NaCl

Chemical reaction of Sodium bromide with chlorine:

In organic synthesis, NaBr is commonly utilized as a source for bromide nucleophile which converts alkyl chlorides into more reactive alkyl bromides using Finkelstein reaction.
NaBr + RCl → RBr + NaCl
As Sodium chloride is utilized as the source for bromine. This is done when chlorine gas is bubbled via with the sodium bromide’s aqueous solution. It is a source of HBr, sodium bromide and it is treated with a very non volatile and strong acid.
NaBr + H₃PO₄ → HBr + NaH₂PO₄

While chlorine water is poured to the sodium bromide solution, the chlorine water oxidizes the bromide ion to bromine that is a liquid or vapor of brown color. Likewise, bromine oxidizes iodide to form iodine which is violet colored solid. All depends on concentrations. Depending on this, the bromine and chlorine can separate from the solution, but only one aqueous layer will be there. Both of the reactions are the good example of oxidation-reduction reaction. It is also known as redox reaction.

Applications of reaction of Sodium bromide with chlorine

It is used as an anticonvulsant, hypnotic, and as a sedative in the medicines. As a source for bromide ion (pharmacologically active), it is similar to potassium bromide.

This also comes to use in photography.

To create a bromide ion that is reserved in bromine spa which is antimicrobial treatment.

Precautions necassary during reaction of Sodium bromide with chlorine:

As sodium bromide proves to be harmful if it is inhaled or swallowed in a large amount, it affects the brain, central nervous system and the eyes. This chemical compound may irritate the eyes, skin, and the respiratory system.

When NaBr is treated with a non-volatile acid like H₃PO₄ hydrogen bromide is produced.
NaBr  +  H₃PO₄   `->`    HBr + NaH₂PO₄
It has a molecular weight of 102.89. 755 degree Celsius happens to be its melting point. 1390 degree Celsius is supposed to be its boiling point. 3.21 is its specific gravity. Its solubility is 116g/100g of water.
Production of sodium bromide is very costly. Therefore sodium halide is formed by reacting sodium metal with halogens and then burnt with bromine to produce sodium bromide
Photographic industry uses Sodium Bromide for its processing. It is also used as intermediate chemical for manufacture of various other chemicals. Water clarification is also one of its application. It is also used as a sedative in pharmaceutical industry. It is used in spa industry as sanitizers of hot water tub.
NaBr affects nervous system and brain if exposed to large quantities. It has irritability character and hence will cause irritation to skin as well as eyes. Therefore, one needs to wear gloves or other protective gear to protect their skin. When exposed to long durations it can cause memory loss, skin rashes etc.
NaBr  requires cool place for storage. Containers, which store these compounds when empties needs to be destroyed, as they are dangerous. NaBr is not supposed to be an explosive hazard. Incompatibilities like acids, oxides etc needs to be avoided

Conclusion on Sodium Bromide Chemical:

Sodium bromide with so many uses is a boon to chemical community. However, due to hazardous nature it needs to be handled carefully.