Bromide compounds, especially potassium bromide, were frequently used as sedatives in the 19th and early 20th century. This gave the word "bromide" its colloquial connotation of a boring cliché, a bit of conventional wisdom overused as a sedative. One can test for a bromide ion by adding dilute nitric acid (HNO3), then silver nitrate (AgNO3). A cream precipitate forms that disappears in concentrated ammonia solution. Bromide is present in typical seawater (35 PSU) with a concentration of aroud 65 mg/l, which is around 0.2% of all dissolved salts.
Barium Bromide
General Information : Use proper personal protective equipment as indicated in Section 8.
Spills/Leaks : Vacuum or sweep up material and place into a suitable disposal container. Wash area with soap and water. Clean up spills immediately, observing precautions in the Protective Equipment section. Avoid generating dusty conditions. Provide ventilation.
Magnesium Bromide
Magnesium bromide (MgBr2) is a chemical compound of magnesium and bromine that is white and very deliquescent. It is often used as a mild sedative. Substances to avoid are: chlorine.
Ammonium Bromide
Ammonium bromide, NH4Br, is a substance used in manufacturing photographic chemicals and emulsion. It is also used as a flame retardant. Ammonium bromide can be prepared by the direct action of hydrogen bromide on ammonia. The chemical crystallizes in colourless prisms, possessing a saline taste; it sublimes on heating and is easily soluble in water. On exposure to air it gradually assumes a yellow colour and becomes acid in its reaction.
Potassium Bromide
Potassium bromide is a typical ionic salt which is fully dissociated and near pH 7 in aqueous solution. It serves as a source of bromide ions- this reaction is important for the manufacture of silver bromide for photographic film:
KBr(aq) + AgNO3(aq) → AgBr(s) + KNO3(aq)
Aqueous bromide Br- will also form complexes when reacted with some metal halides such as copper(II) bromide:
2 KBr(aq) + CuBr2(aq) → K2[CuBr4](aq)
Sodium Bromide
Sodium bromide is a salt with the formula NaBr, widely used as an anticonvulsant and a sedative in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its action is due to the bromide ion (potassium bromide is equally effective). It is a high-melting white, crystalline solid that resembles sodium chloride. It is a widely used source of the bromide ion.
