Sodium bromide
[CAS# 7647-15-6]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Nervous system medication >> Sedative and hypnotics
• Name: Sodium bromide
• Molecular Formula: NaBr
• Molecular Weight: 102.89
• CAS Registry Number: 7647-15-6
• EC Number: 231-599-9
• SMILES: [Na+].[Br-]

Properties

• Density: 3.203 g/mL (Expl.)
• Melting point: 755 °C (Expl.)
• Refraction index: 1.641 (Expl.)
• Boiling point: 1390 °C (Expl.)
• Water solubility: 905 g/L (20 °C)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07;GHS08 Danger
• Risk Statements: H319-H336-H360-H361
• Safety Statements: P203-P261-P264+P265-P271-P280-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P318-P319-P337+P317-P403+P233-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	1B	H360
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	2	H361
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H336
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	2	H373
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	1	H372
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335

Discovery and Applications

Sodium bromide is an inorganic compound composed of sodium and bromine, with the chemical formula NaBr. It was first discovered in the early 19th century as part of the growing interest in halogen chemistry. The compound is typically produced by the reaction of bromine with sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution. Sodium bromide has been extensively studied for its chemical properties and its applications across various industries.

One of the primary uses of sodium bromide is in the preparation of bromine-based compounds, such as bromine gas and bromine salts. In this context, sodium bromide serves as a source of bromine in industrial processes. The compound is also utilized in the production of other chemicals, such as sodium hypobromite, which has disinfectant properties.

Sodium bromide is widely used in the oil and gas industry, particularly in drilling operations. It is often employed in the preparation of drilling fluids, also known as muds, which help lubricate the drilling equipment and facilitate the extraction of oil and gas. The addition of sodium bromide to these fluids helps control the density of the mud, which is crucial for maintaining the pressure in the borehole and preventing blowouts during drilling. Sodium bromide is particularly effective in high-temperature and high-pressure environments, making it ideal for deep-sea drilling applications.

In the pharmaceutical industry, sodium bromide has a history of use as a sedative and anticonvulsant. It was once commonly prescribed for the treatment of epilepsy and other conditions related to nervous system disorders. However, its use in medicine has decreased over time due to the development of more effective and safer medications. Despite this, sodium bromide remains a key component in certain formulations and is sometimes used in veterinary medicine.

Another significant application of sodium bromide is in the photographic industry. It is used in the preparation of photographic emulsions, where it plays a role in controlling the sensitivity of the film to light. In this context, sodium bromide helps produce high-quality images by influencing the development process of silver halide crystals in photographic materials.

In addition to these applications, sodium bromide is used in water treatment processes, particularly in the disinfection of swimming pools. It is sometimes added to water systems as a bromine donor, providing an effective alternative to chlorine for sanitizing purposes. Sodium bromide is also employed in some chemical syntheses and laboratory experiments, where it is used as a reagent in various reactions.

The discovery and application of sodium bromide reflect the compound's versatility and importance in a range of industrial and scientific fields. From its role in chemical production to its historical medical use and current applications in the oil, gas, and photographic industries, sodium bromide continues to be a vital substance in both industrial and scientific processes.

References

2024. Synergistic enhancing of micellization and thermodynamic properties of some Gemini cationic surfactants related to benzo[d]thiazol-3-ium bromide. BMC Chemistry, 18(1).
DOI: 10.1186/s13065-024-01334-9

2024. Selective recovery of Co(II), Mn(II), Cu(II), and Ni(II) by multiple step batch treatments with nanocellulose products. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 31(58).
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-35699-0