Zinc bromide (ZnBr2) is a chemical compound. It’s formed by zinc and bromine elements. It’s used in various applications like oil drilling fluids and electrolyte solutions.
| IUPAC Name | Zinc Bromide |
| Molecular Formula | ZnBr2 |
| CAS Number | 7699-45-8 |
| Synonyms | Zinc dibromide, Zinc(II) bromide |
| InChI | InChI=1S/2BrH.Zn/h2*1H;/q;;+2/p-2 |
Zinc Bromide Properties
Zinc Bromide Formula
The formula of zinc dibromide is ZnBr2. It consists of one zinc (Zn) atom and two bromine (Br) atoms. This compound is formed through the combination of these elements.
Zinc Bromide Molar Mass
Zinc dibromide has a molar mass of approximately 225.19 g/mol. This value is calculated by adding the atomic masses of one zinc atom and two bromine atoms in the compound.
Zinc Bromide Boiling Point
The boiling point of zinc dibromide is around 464°C (867°F). At this temperature, the compound changes from a liquid to a gaseous state. This high boiling point makes it suitable for certain industrial applications.
Zinc Bromide Melting Point
Zinc dibromide has a melting point of about 394°C (741°F). This is the temperature at which the solid compound transitions into a liquid state. The relatively high melting point is due to the strong interactions between the zinc and bromine atoms.
Zinc Bromide Density g/mL
The density of zinc dibromide is approximately 4.20 g/mL. This value indicates the mass of the compound per unit volume. The high density suggests that zinc dibromide is relatively heavy for its volume.
Zinc Bromide Molecular Weight
Zinc dibromide’s molecular weight is approximately 225.19 g/mol. This value represents the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in a single molecule of the compound.
Zinc Bromide Structure
Zinc dibromide has a crystalline structure. It forms a lattice arrangement where zinc cations (Zn2+) are surrounded by bromide anions (Br-) in a repeating pattern. This structure contributes to the compound’s properties and behavior.
Zinc Bromide Solubility
Zinc dibromide is highly soluble in water. When added to water, it dissociates into zinc cations and bromide anions, forming a solution. This solubility is advantageous in various applications, including its use as an electrolyte in batteries and in the formulation of drilling fluids for the oil industry.
| Appearance | White solid |
| Specific Gravity | 4.20 g/mL |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 225.19 g/mol |
| Density | 4.20 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 394°C (741°F) |
| Boiling Point | 464°C (867°F) |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Highly soluble, dissociates into zinc cations and bromide anions |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| Vapour Pressure | Not well-defined |
| Vapour Density | Not applicable |
| pKa | ~3.8 |
| pH | Acidic |
Zinc Bromide Safety and Hazards
Zinc dibromide poses certain safety hazards. It can cause skin and eye irritation upon contact. Inhaling its dust or vapor may lead to respiratory discomfort. It’s essential to handle it with care, wearing protective gear like gloves and goggles. In case of skin contact, wash with water and seek medical attention if irritation persists. If ingested, seek immediate medical help. Keep it away from incompatible materials, strong acids, and bases. Store in a well-ventilated area, away from open flames or heat sources. Overall, following proper safety measures is crucial when dealing with zinc dibromide to avoid potential risks.
| Hazard Symbols | Corrosive, Harmful if swallowed |
| Safety Description | Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Wear protective clothing and gloves. In case of contact, rinse thoroughly. Inhaling dust/vapor may cause respiratory irritation. Store in a well-ventilated place. Avoid release to the environment. Dispose properly. |
| UN IDs | UN3264 |
| HS Code | 28275900 |
| Hazard Class | 8 (Corrosive Substances) |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | Moderately toxic |
Zinc Bromide Synthesis Methods
Zinc dibromide can be synthesized through various methods. One common method involves reacting zinc oxide (ZnO) with hydrobromic acid (HBr). The reaction produces zinc dibromide and water:
ZnO + 2HBr → ZnBr2 + H2O
Another approach is the direct reaction of zinc metal with bromine gas (Br2). This method yields zinc dibromide:
Zn + Br2 → ZnBr2
Zinc dibromide can also be prepared by treating zinc carbonate (ZnCO3) with hydrobromic acid:
ZnCO3 + 2HBr → ZnBr2 + H2O + CO2
Furthermore, the reaction of zinc oxide with hydrogen bromide gas (HBr) can generate zinc dibromide:
ZnO + 2HBr → ZnBr2 + H2O
These synthesis methods result in the formation of zinc dibromide, an essential compound with diverse industrial applications, including use in electrolyte solutions and oil drilling fluids.
Zinc Bromide Uses
Zinc dibromide finds various important applications across industries due to its unique properties:
- Chemical Synthesis: ZnBr2 serves as a catalyst in chemical reactions. It promotes specific reactions in organic synthesis and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
- Photography: In some photographic processes, ZnBr2 acts as a light-sensitive material, contributing to the production of photographic papers and films.
- Oil and Gas Industry: ZnBr2 plays a pivotal role in drilling fluids within the oil and gas sector, maintaining pressure, preventing well blowouts, and stabilizing boreholes.
- Battery Electrolyte: Certain types of batteries, including zinc-bromine flow batteries, employ ZnBr2 as an electrolyte, serving energy storage and backup power systems.
- Medicinal Innovations: Researchers explore ZnBr2 for its potential in pharmaceuticals and medicines due to its antimicrobial properties, considering applications in wound healing and infection control.
- Textile Enhancement: ZnBr2 finds utility in dyeing and printing textiles by aiding in fixing specific dyes to fabrics, thereby enhancing color fastness.
- Flame Retardant Formulations: ZnBr2 becomes an additive in flame retardant formulations for plastics and textiles, effectively reducing the flammability of these materials.
- Metal Surface Treatment: ZnBr2 takes part in metal surface treatments, utilized in cleaning and etching processes that prepare surfaces for subsequent coatings or treatments.
The versatile nature of ZnBr2 makes it a valuable substance in various fields, contributing to technological advancements and industrial processes.
Questions:
Q: Is zinc bromide soluble?
A: Yes, zinc dibromide is highly soluble in water.
Q: Is zinc bromide ionic or covalent?
A: Zinc dibromide is an ionic compound.
Q: What does zinc bromide look like?
A: Zinc dibromide appears as a white crystalline solid.
Q: What is the formula for zinc bromide?
A: The formula for zinc dibromide is ZnBr2.
Q: Is ZnBr2 soluble in water?
A: Yes, ZnBr2 is soluble in water.
Q: What is ZnBr2?
A: ZnBr2 is a chemical compound, zinc dibromide.
Q: Is ZnBr2 ionic or molecular?
A: ZnBr2 is ionic in nature.
Q: What mass of ZnBr2 could you prepare from 1.00g zinc?
A: You could prepare 1.76g of ZnBr2 from 1.00g of zinc.
Q: Does ZnBr2 dissolve completely in water?
A: Yes, ZnBr2 dissolves completely in water.
Q: What product(s) form at the cathode in the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of ZnBr2?
A: At the cathode, zinc metal forms during the electrolysis of ZnBr2.
Q: What is left when ZnBr2 is dissolved in water?
A: When ZnBr2 is dissolved in water, Zn²⁺ ions and bromide ions (Br⁻) are left in the solution.