Hypobromite

Hypobromite is an ion composed of bromine and oxygen with the chemical formula BrO-. It is a bromine oxoanion and a monovalent inorganic anion. It is a conjugate base of hypobromous acid.

Chemical Properties

Hypobromite is a powerful oxidizing agent, similar to other halogen oxoanions such as chlorite and iodate. It is unstable in its pure form and is usually encountered as an aqueous solution or in the form of salts.

Production

Hypobromite can be produced by the reaction of bromine with a base such as sodium hydroxide:

Br2 + 2OH- → Br- + BrO- + H2O

This reaction produces both bromide and hypobromite ions.

Uses

Hypobromite is used in organic synthesis as an oxidizing agent. It is also used in the disinfection of water, where it is produced in situ by the reaction of bromine with hypochlorite.

Safety

As a strong oxidizing agent, hypobromite can be hazardous. It can cause burns and eye damage, and it is harmful if swallowed. Appropriate safety measures should be taken when handling hypobromite or its solutions.

See Also

• Hypochlorite
• Hypoiodite
• Bromine

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