Calcium bromide
[CAS# 7789-41-5]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Nervous system medication >> Sedative and hypnotics
• Name: Calcium bromide
• Molecular Formula: CaBr₂
• Molecular Weight: 199.89
• CAS Registry Number: 7789-41-5
• EC Number: 232-164-6
• SMILES: [Ca+2].[Br-].[Br-]

Properties

• Density: 3.353

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS05 Danger
• Risk Statements: H318
• Safety Statements: P264+P265-P280-P305+P354+P338-P317

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319

Discovery and Applications

Calcium bromide (CaBr₂) is an inorganic compound composed of calcium and bromine, typically appearing as a white crystalline solid. It was first identified in the early 19th century, following the isolation of bromine from seawater by chemist Antoine Jérôme Balard in 1826. The compound is produced by the direct reaction of calcium oxide or calcium carbonate with hydrobromic acid, resulting in the formation of calcium bromide along with water.

Calcium bromide is widely used across various industries due to its unique chemical properties. One of its primary applications is in the oil and gas industry, where it serves as a completion and workover fluid. Its high density makes it an effective weighting agent for drilling fluids, providing control over well pressure during drilling operations. The use of calcium bromide in these applications helps to stabilize boreholes and prevent blowouts, ensuring safer drilling practices.

In addition to its role in the petroleum sector, calcium bromide is also employed in the preparation of brine solutions for refrigeration and air conditioning systems. These brines exhibit lower freezing points than water, making them ideal for applications requiring temperature control in industrial settings. The use of calcium bromide in these systems enhances their efficiency and operational reliability.

Another significant application of calcium bromide lies in the field of medicine. It has been utilized as a sedative and anxiolytic agent, although its medicinal use has declined with the advent of newer pharmaceuticals. In the past, it was often prescribed for conditions such as anxiety and epilepsy due to its calming effects on the central nervous system.

In addition to these applications, calcium bromide is also used in photography as a component in developing agents. Its presence in photographic emulsions helps improve the sensitivity of films to light, thus enhancing image quality. Furthermore, it can be found in some formulations for pool sanitization, where it acts as a disinfectant, helping to maintain water clarity and hygiene.

Despite its various uses, handling calcium bromide requires caution. It can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system, and prolonged exposure may lead to adverse health effects. As with any chemical compound, appropriate safety measures should be taken when working with calcium bromide to minimize risks.

In summary, calcium bromide is an essential compound with a range of applications in the oil and gas industry, refrigeration, medicine, photography, and water treatment. Its discovery and subsequent utilization highlight its versatility and importance across multiple sectors.

References

2020. The Effect of Calcium and Halide Ions on the Gramicidin A Molecular State and Antimicrobial Activity. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(17).
DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176177

2015. Fabrication of porous chitin with continuous substructure by regeneration from gel with CaBr2·2H2O/methanol. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 78.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2015.04.022

2015. One- and two-dimensional polymers from proline and calcium bromide. Acta Crystallographica Section C: Structural Chemistry, 71(4).
DOI: 10.1107/s2053229615005008