Bromine water is an aqueous solution of bromine

Bromine water is a diluted bromine. It is customary to write it in the reaction equations through such a formula - Br2, although in solution it is in the form of a mixture of two acids - HBrO (hypobromous acid) and HBr (hydrobromic acid). This compound has a yellow-orange color and a rather low freezing point. It is a strong oxidizer that is capable of oxidizing cations of such metals - Cr ⁺³ , Mn ⁺³ , Fe ⁺² , Co ^{₊ 2} , Ni ⁺³ - in an alkaline medium. The addition of Br ₂ reduces the pH of the solution (pH). Bromine water contains free acids.

It is a reactive substance that can interact with both inorganic and organic substances. Let us consider some chemical processes with this compound.

Discoloration of bromine water serves as a qualitative reaction to all unsaturated hydrocarbons. To carry out such an experiment, a small amount of any alkene or alkyne should be mixed in a test tube with Br ₂ . In the course of this reaction, the bromine atoms join at the point of disruption of the double or triple bond. The disappearance of the yellow-orange color with this interaction is evidence of the uncertainty of the hydrocarbon taken.

The chemical reaction "phenol - bromine water" is used to precipitate bromo compounds from solutions. If this interaction of substances is carried out in anhydrous medium, the formation of tribromophenol will take a couple of days. Therefore, as a catalyst, a small amount of H ₂ O is added.

Bromine water in the laboratory is prepared as follows: 1 ml of bromine is added 250 ml of distilled water, while stirring intensively. The prepared solution is stored in a tightly closed container of dark glass. If the prepared Br _{2 is} stored in the light or in a light bottle, oxygen will be released due to the hypobromic acid content. The work on the preparation of the reagent is carried out in a fume hood. Since bromine itself is toxic, and bromine water contains it, care must be taken when working with it.

It is necessary to take into account the fact that if you hit Br ₂ on the skin there is a strong itching, and with prolonged exposure, jaundice can occur. If the substance has got on the skin, it should be washed with a large amount of water, and then with sodium carbonate. With a large wound surface or deep lesions of the epidermis, the skin is additionally lubricated with an ointment, which includes NaHCO ₃ .

Bromine water is widely used in the chemical analysis and synthesis of organic preparations. So, it is used in the production of bromine-containing drugs. And here it is necessary to be cautious, because Long-term use of them can lead to disease - bromism. The main symptoms are apathy, lethargy, the appearance of skin rashes. For more rapid removal of bromine ions from the body observe a diet with high salt content and abundant drink. More bromine water is used in intermediate stages of production of fire retardants - substances that protect organic compounds from inflammation. They impregnate fabrics, wood, building material.