Bromine (named from the Greek bromos meaning a getid odour) is a non-metallic element normally a deep red, corrosive, toxic liquid giving of an irritating reddish brown vapour of disagreeable odour. It has the symbolBr. It was first discovered in salt water by Balard in 1826.
In its general chemical properties it much resembles chlorine and iodine, and is generally associated with them. As bromides it is found in minute quantities in sea-water, in the ashes of marine plants, in animals, and in some salt springs. It may be extracted from bittern by the agency of chlorine. It has bleaching powers like chlorine, and is very poisonous. Its density is about three times that of water. It combines with hydrogen to form hydrobromic acid gas. With oxygen and hydrogen it forms bromic acid. Bromide of potassium (K Br) has sedative and other properties, and is used in medicine (for treating scrofula, goitre, rheumatism, &c.); bromide of silver is used in film photography. Research Bromine
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
SciTech
Research Bromine
