What is HBR or Hydrobromic Acid?
Dissolving diatomic molecules, hydrogen bromide in water gives us hydrobromic acid. Its molecular name (chemical formula) is HBr. There is a simple, single covalent bond between Bromine and Hydrogen atoms. As Bromine has a high electronegativity, the bond gets ionized easily. It makes HBr a very strong acid. It readily fumes when exposed to moist air. It is generally transported in a liquified compressed gas form. The HBr acid is commercially available in diluted form (48% acid+ 62% solution).
Hydrobromic Acid (Hbr acid) is also known as Hydronium Bromide, Bromane.
Atomic Structure of HBr
The chemical formula for HBr acid is HBr or BrH.
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Production of HBr Acid
The hydrobromic acid can be produced in laboratories.
When bromine, sulfur dioxide, and water react, sulphuric acid and hydrobromide gas are produced.
\[Br_{2}\] + \[SO_{2}\] + 2 \[H_{2}\]O → \[H_{2}\] \[SO_{4}\] + 2 HBr
An alternative method for producing The HBr acid in the lab is to mix dilute sulphuric acid with potassium bromide. This method is widely used for industrial production. The chemical expression is as shown below,
\[H_{2}\]\[SO_{4}\] + KBr → \[KHSO_{4}\] + HBr
Physical Properties of HBr
Chemical Properties of HBr
1. It is highly corrosive to metals and fabrics.
2. When HBr reacts with sulphuric acid, Sulphur dioxide, bromine, and water forms. The chemical equation can be written as
2HBr + \[H_{2}\]\[SO_{4}\] → \[Br_{2}\]+ \[SO_{2}\]+ \[2H_{2}\]O
3. When HBr reacts with propene, the result is the formation of 2- Bromopropane. The chemical expression is written as,
HBr+ \[C_{3}\]\[H_{6}\] → \[C_{3}\]\[H_{7}\]Br
4. It decomposes when heated and produces toxic fumes.
5. It is denser than air.
6. Its pH value is less than 2.
7. Its pKa value is less than -2
8. The HBr acid is incompatible with ozone and fluorine.
9. The HBr acid is not combustible by itself.
10. If exposed to heat for a longer time it can lead to an explosion.
11. The fumes of hydrobromic acid are oxidizing and can cause corrosion of wood, paper, oil, clothes, and metals.
12. When the HBr acid reacts with alkenes violent polymerization occurs.
13. Dilution of HBr gas in water can cause the generation of Heat.
14. When it comes in contact with metals, it releases flammable hydrogen gas.
15. The HBr acid neutralizes amines and inorganic hydroxides, that form salts. As the process generates heat, it should be avoided to carry out in small spaces.
16. Reacting with aluminium and iron, it produces toxic gases.
17. Fumes of HBr form clouds in a humid atmosphere.
18. When it reacts with nitrites and sulfites, it releases carbon dioxide. Though it is not toxic, heat and splashing of reaction can be hazardous.
19. It is utilized in creating inorganic bromides such as those of sodium, calcium and zinc.
20. Most preparation in the lab is done with an anhydrous compound of HBr which gets dissolved in water.
Uses of HBr Acid
HBr acid is widely used
As a catalyst and reagent in many organic preparations.
In many industrial processes such as dehydration, isomerization, hydration, polymerization.
Bromine based fumigants are used in sanitation and for disinfection treatments.
Bromide salts are found in medications.
In the extraction of mercury from cinnabar ore.
As a key raw material in the production of photosensitive materials, dyes, inorganic pharmaceutical products.
In the production of Bromium compounds that are further used in dyes, insecticides, plastic castings.
Also used widely in modern manufacturing and in various components in combination with other substances. Used to make medicines to fuels, plastics, semiconductors.
Fun Facts
HBr is a gas, but when it is dissolved in water, it becomes liquid.
In the past, diluted bromides were widely used as anti-epileptic and sedatives medicines.
To increase the storage life of fruits and vegetables, Hydrobromic acid(diluted) is used in post-harvest treatments of horticulture.
In the US, traces of bromide were found in food. It was the main cause of higher bromide exposure.
Different kinds of HBr ionization research on ice surfaces help in finding out about ways of ozone depletion in the Arctic atmosphere. This is one of the important factors for considering atmospheric chemistry.
Did You Know
William W. Carlin discovered the HBr Acid. He patented the process of creation of the acid on July 28th, 1977.
FAQs on Hydrobromic Acid
1. What are the effects of exposure to HBr on our Health?
Ans- Hydrobromic acid (HBr acid) is highly corrosive and produces toxic fumes. Exposure to these fumes can cause
Irritation to eyes and respiratory system,
Skin irritation and burns.
Mouth and stomach burns,
Nausea, vomiting, difficulty in breathing, hypertension.
Prolonged exposure to HBr and can cause 'Bromism'. The symptoms are hallucinations, irritability, and confusion.
2. What are the safety and storage measures needed to handle hydrobromic acid?
Ans- Following safety, measures are needed to follow while handling HBr in the Laboratory
It should be shipped in high-pressure cylinders.
Always wear a chemical-resistant apron, gloves, and goggles while handling HBr.
Avoid breathing when you are dealing with it. Fume hoods should be used in the laboratories while treating HBr.
It should be stored in tightly closed, highly pressurized cylinders. Usually, cylinders made-up of polyethene glass-coated or fluorinated vinyl chloride resin are used for storing HBr acid. Containers should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated, cool area. Also, it should be kept away from the incompatible materials.
3. What are the packaging specifications for the HBr acid while transporting?
Ans- As the HBr acid is combustible when exposed to heat and moist air, its packaging should be done cautiously. The packaging specifications are as follows,
L-Ring PE Drums (62/204 Ltr).
Isotanks (15,500/ 17,500/ 20,000 Liter)
Intermediate Bulk Containers (1,360 Ltr).
Steel PE Drums (62/204 Ltr).
