Bromide

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A bromide ion is a bromine atom with charge of −1.

Compounds with bromine in formal oxidation state −1 are called bromides. This can include ionic compounds such as caesium bromide or covalent compounds such as sulfur dibromide.

Bromide compounds, especially potassium bromide, were frequently used as sedatives in the 19th and early 20th century. This gave the word "bromide" its colloquial connotation of a boring cliché, a bit of conventional wisdom dished out to keep people appeased.

One can test for a bromide ion by adding dilute nitric acid (HNO₃), then silver nitrate (AgNO₃). A cream precipitate forms that disappears in concentrated ammonia solution.

Bromide is present in typical seawater (35 PSU) with a concentration of aroud 65 mg/l, which is around 0.2% of all dissolved salts.

In some cases, Bromide is available in a liquid form at pharmacies. It has been rumoured that Bromide can reduce erections for males (see anaphrodisiac).

[edit] Examples

• hydrogen bromide (HBr)
• sodium bromide (NaBr)
• potassium bromide (KBr), once a commonly used sedative
• carbon tetrabromide (CBr₄)
• sulfur dibromide (SBr₂)

See category for a bigger list.

[edit] External links

• Herbert Dow