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Potassium bromide

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Identification
Molecular formula
KBr
CAS number
7758-02-3
IUPAC name
potassium;bromide
State
State

Potassium bromide is a solid at room temperature.

Melting point (Celsius)
734.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
1 007.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
1 435.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
1 708.00
General information
Molecular weight
119.00g/mol
Molar mass
119.0020g/mol
Density
2.7400g/cm3
Appearence

Potassium bromide appears as a white crystalline powder. It is highly soluble in water and gives a sweetish taste initially, followed by a bitter and saline sensation.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Potassium Bromide

Potassium bromide (KBr) is a highly soluble compound that plays a significant role in various applications. Its solubility can be characterized by the following key points:

  • Water Solubility: KBr is known for its excellent solubility in water, possessing a solubility of approximately 67 grams per 100 milliliters at 20°C. This property makes it particularly useful in aqueous solutions.
  • Temperature Dependency: The solubility of KBr tends to increase with temperature. As the temperature rises, the kinetic energy of the molecules increases, leading to higher dissolution rates.
  • Alcohol Solubility: KBr is moderately soluble in alcohols, albeit to a lesser extent than in water. Ethanol, for example, exhibits a lower capacity to dissolve KBr.
  • Effect of Ionic Strength: KBr's solubility can be influenced by the presence of other ions in solution. In some cases, the addition of salts can either inhibit or promote the dissolution of KBr.

In conclusion, potassium bromide's solubility characteristics make it a versatile compound, especially in laboratory and industrial applications. Its high solubility in water coupled with its temperature-dependent behavior highlights its practical utility in various chemical processes.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Potassium Bromide

Potassium bromide (commonly abbreviated as KBr) is a fascinating compound with a variety of applications and historical significance. Here are some intriguing points about this compound:

  • Historical Use: Potassium bromide has a rich history, particularly in the 19th century when it was prescribed as a sedative to treat anxiety and promote sleep. Its calming effects made it popular among physicians of the time.
  • Photography: In the realm of photography, potassium bromide has been used in the production of certain types of photographic films and plates. Its ability to create light-sensitive materials is crucial in traditional photographic processes.
  • Chemical Reactions: This compound serves as a source of bromide ions (Br-), which can participate in various chemical reactions. For example, it can react with strong oxidizing agents, playing a role in redox chemistry.
  • Analytical Chemistry: Potassium bromide is also significant in analytical chemistry, especially in spectroscopy. It is often utilized as an infrared (IR) transparent matrix for solid samples in Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
  • Solubility: Potassium bromide is highly soluble in water, making it effective in various aqueous applications, from pharmaceuticals to laboratory settings.

Overall, potassium bromide is more than just a simple ionic compound; it plays essential roles in chemistry, medicine, and photography. Its diverse applications underscore the importance of understanding chemical compounds and their behaviors within different contexts.