Hydrobromic Acid (Hydrogen Bromide, aqueous)

CAS No.: 10035-10-6
Synonyms / IUPAC Name: Hydrobromic Acid, Hydrogen Bromide (aqueous)
Molecular Formula: HBr
Molecular Weight: 80.91 g/mol

Physicochemical Properties (Typical)

• Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
• Odor: Sharp, pungent odor
• Melting / Freezing Point (≈ 47 % w/w solution): ~ −11 °C
• Boiling Point (≈ 47 % w/w solution): ~ 126 °C
• Density (≈ 48 % w/w solution): ≈ 1.49 g/cm³
• Solubility: Completely miscible with water
• Vapor Density (vs air = 1): ~2.7–2.8
• Stability: Solution is stable under normal conditions; strong acid, corrosive

Purity & Quality Standards

• Concentration (neutralization titration): ~47–49 % w/w for standard reagent grade
• Appearance: Clear liquid, colorless to pale yellow
• Non-volatile Matter: Typically ≤ 0.05 %
• Analytical Methods: Titration, spectroscopy
• Documentation: Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) supplied

Applications / Uses

• Production of inorganic bromides (e.g., zinc, calcium, sodium bromides)
• Reagent in organic synthesis: bromination, halogenation of alkenes, alkylation, organic intermediate manufacture
• Catalyst and reagent for fine chemical, pharmaceutical, dye, and photographic industries
• General acid medium in industrial chemical processes

Safety & Handling

• Health Hazards:
  • On contact: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
  • Inhalation: Causes respiratory tract irritation and lung injury; vapors may be life-threatening at high concentration
• Precautions:
  • Wear chemical-resistant gloves, face and eye protection, protective clothing
  • Use only in well-ventilated area or with appropriate local exhaust
  • Avoid contact with metals which may generate flammable hydrogen gas
• Reactivity: Reacts violently with many metals producing hydrogen gas; reacts with oxidizers producing bromine/halogen vapors
• First Aid:
  • Skin: Rinse immediately with plenty of water and remove contaminated clothing
  • Eyes: Rinse cautiously for several minutes; seek medical attention
  • Inhalation: Move to fresh air, keep comfortable for breathing; seek immediate medical attention
  • Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth; seek medical attention

Packaging & Storage

• Packaging: Corrosion-resistant containers (e.g., special lined drums or bottles) suitable for strong acids
• Storage Conditions: Cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from incompatible materials (metals, bases, oxidizers)
• Container Closure: Keep tightly closed to prevent vapour release and absorption of moisture
• Shelf Life: Typically 12–24 months under recommended storage conditions