Sodium bromide is a white ionic compound with the chemical formula NaBr. It is easily soluble in water and forms a tasteless, odorless solution. Sodium bromide is obtained through the neutralization reaction between hydrogen bromide, a strong acid, and sodium hydroxide, a weak base. Like other halide salts of the same metal (NaCl, NaF, NaI), sodium bromide has a face-centered cubic crystal structure.
Chemical and Physical Properties of Sodium Bromide:
- Molecular Weight: 102.89 g/mol
- Melting Point: 747 °C (anhydrous), 36 °C (dihydrate)
- Boiling Point: 1390 °C
- Density: 3.21 g/cm³ (anhydrous), 2.18 g/cm³ (dihydrate)
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water and alcohol, low solubility in ether
Applications of Sodium Bromide:
- Chemical Industry: Sodium bromide is used as a catalyst or intermediate in organic synthesis and chemical reactions. It is also used in metal surface corrosion-resistant coatings and paint production.
- Food and Beverage Industry: Sodium bromide is used as an acidity regulator in food and beverages, particularly in soft drinks (colas, fruit juices, carbonated drinks) and processed foods to balance sweetness.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Sodium bromide is used in the pharmaceutical sector to increase the solubility of drugs and as a sedative, hypnotic, and anticonvulsant.
- Veterinary Industry: Sodium bromide is used in the veterinary sector for calming animals, treating epilepsy, and preventing infections.
- Photography Industry: Sodium bromide plays an important role in the photography industry. It is used in the production and development of photographic films.
- Water Treatment: Sodium bromide is used in water treatment processes to adjust phosphorus solutions. It is an important chemical for phosphorus control, especially in wastewater treatment plants.