Bromine water is bromine diluted with water. It is customary to write it in the reaction equations through such a formula - Br2, although it is in solution in the form of a mixture of two acids - HBrO (hypotensive acid) and HBr (hydrobromic acid). This compound has a yellow-orange color and a fairly low freezing point. It is a strong oxidizing agent that is capable of oxidizing cations of such metals in an alkaline environment - Cr+3, Mn+3, Fe+2 , Co +2, Ni+3. The addition of Br2 reduces the pH of the solution (pH), because bromine water contains free acids.
This is a chemically active substance that can interact with both inorganic and organic substances. Consider some chemical processes with this compound.
Discolouration of bromine water serves as a qualitative reaction to all unsaturated hydrocarbons. To carry out such an experiment, a small amount of any alkene ormix alkyne in a test tube with Br2. In the course of this reaction, bromine atoms are added at the site of the double or triple bond rupture. The disappearance of the yellow-orange color during this interaction is proof of the unsaturation of the hydrocarbon taken.
The chemical reaction "phenol - bromine water" is used to precipitate bromine-substituted compounds from solutions. If this interaction of substances is carried out in an anhydrous environment, then the formation of tribromophenol will take a couple of days. Therefore, a small amount of H2O is added as a catalyst.
Bromine water in the laboratory is prepared as follows: 250 ml of distilled water is added to 1 ml of bromine, while vigorously stirring. The prepared solution is stored in a tightly closed dark glass container. If the prepared Br2 is stored in the light or in a light bottle, then oxygen will be released due to the content of hypochlorous acid. Work on the preparation of the reagent is carried out in a fume hood. Since bromine itself is poisonous, and bromine water contains it, care must be taken when working with it.
It is also necessary to take into account the fact that when Br2 gets on the skin, severe itching appears, and with prolonged exposure, ulcers may occur. If the substance comes into contact with the skin, it should be washed with plenty of water and then with sodium carbonate. With a large wound surface or deep lesions of the epidermis, the skin is additionally lubricated with ointment, inwhich includes NaHCO3.
Bromine water is widely used in chemical analysis and synthesis of organic preparations. So, it is used in the production of bromine-containing drugs. And here you need to be careful, because. prolonged use of them can lead to a disease - bromism. The main symptoms are apathy, lethargy, the appearance of a skin rash. For faster removal of bromine ions from the body, a diet with a high s alt content and plenty of fluids are followed. Bromine water is also used in the intermediate stages of the production of flame retardants - substances that protect organic compounds from ignition. They impregnate fabrics, wood, building material.
