Sodium bromide is a simple inorganic salt with the chemical formula NaBr, composed of sodium (Na) and bromine (Br). Its structure follows the regular ionic lattice common among alkali metal halides, with tightly bound ions forming a stable crystalline material. Recognized by its white, odorless appearance, sodium bromide often takes the form of powder, flakes, pearls, or crystals. The density of solid sodium bromide generally reaches about 3.21 grams per cubic centimeter. As a solid, it is soluble in water, leading to clear, colorless solutions. The compound's molecular weight stands at 102.89 g/mol. It dissolves readily in water, a property that finds value in different industries requiring efficient solution preparation.
Structurally, sodium bromide resembles other halide salts. Each sodium ion pairs with a single bromide ion in a cubic lattice. This arrangement allows the substance to appear as colorless crystals under normal lighting, with a melting point near 755 °C. Its boiling point lies around 1,390 °C, so it stays stable across a wide range of temperatures in most practical scenarios. In the liquid phase, it creates a strongly ionic solution, which means it conducts electricity when dissolved. These features support sodium bromide’s regular presence in chemical synthesis, oil drilling fluids, and as a raw material for other compounds. In laboratory supplies, different forms—powder, crystals, flakes, liquid, or granules—cater to distinct needs, from rapid solution mixing to precise dosing by mass or volume.
On the market, sodium bromide comes in several specifications: high-purity grades, technical grades for industrial processes, or pharmaceutical standards for medicinal uses. Each grade meets its own tolerances for sodium, bromide content, and moisture. Flakes and pearls tend to ship in bulk for oil and gas fields, where density control and solubility enhance drilling operations. The Harmonized System Code (HS Code) most commonly used in global trade for sodium bromide is 28275100. Buyers use this HS Code for customs classification, taxation, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
The formula NaBr seems simple—one sodium atom bonded to one bromine atom—but the versatility comes from the adaptable physical forms. In laboratories, sodium bromide crystals stand out for their purity. Powder forms dissolve rapidly, which shortens prep time during production runs. Manufacturers offer pearls or granules to ensure measured flow for automated systems. Liquid solutions make dosing simple for large-scale water treatment. Because sodium bromide stays stable under ordinary storage conditions, its shelf life is long when kept dry.
Density matters, especially in fluid preparation or when sodium bromide serves as a heavyweight brine for oil and gas extraction. By controlling the precise grams per liter in solution, process engineers can target specific densities for hydraulic fracturing or mud systems. Safety during handling relies on clear protocols. Sodium bromide itself is not flammable, nor does it emit toxic fumes under regular use, but as with any chemical, it requires respect. Inhalation of fine dust or accidental ingestion may cause irritation or health effects, especially in industrial concentrations. Personal protective equipment like gloves, eye protection, and dust masks reduce risks. Facilities keep sodium bromide away from strong acids, since it can react to release corrosive hydrogen bromide gas. Regulatory agencies do not list sodium bromide as a major environmental threat; in wastewater, bromide ions tend to dilute rapidly. Still, chemical hygiene remains a guiding principle in all workplaces.
Though sodium bromide does not carry the acute hazards of some metals or organic toxins, its use does demand caution in scale. Chronic overexposure, such as through repeated inhalation or skin contact, could irritate mucous membranes. Improper disposal in high concentrations stresses aquatic ecosystems by adding bromide ions. Sodium bromide can act as a mild central nervous system depressant, so it has a history of medical application, but dosing remains tightly controlled. Manufacturers mark containers with chemical hazard labels and reference material safety data sheets for safe handling and emergency procedures.
Multiple fields depend on sodium bromide as a raw material. In drilling fluids, brines prepared from sodium bromide deliver heavy, clear, non-damaging solutions to stabilize boreholes. Photography, an industry where detail matters, uses sodium bromide in the preparation of light-sensitive silver bromide emulsions. Water treatment specialists turn to sodium bromide as a biocide, often in synergy with oxidizing agents. In organic synthesis, chemists favor sodium bromide as a selective brominating agent, helping build more complex molecules for research or pharmaceuticals. Each application tailors the material’s concentration, particle size, and purity requirements to suit the job.
Protecting workers and the environment hinges on documented safety measures. Training staff on chemical hazards, proper storage in dry and cool locations, and understanding spill response keeps the workplace accident-free. Automated systems reduce direct contact by dosing sodium bromide through closed pipelines and containers. Waste disposal plans incorporate dilution, neutralization, or recycling wherever possible to prevent excess bromide ions from reaching streams or groundwater. Across industries, investment in high-quality packaging prevents leaks and contamination.
To sum up, sodium bromide stands as a reliable alkali metal halide for chemical, industrial, and laboratory use. Its physical forms—crystals, powder, flakes, pearls, liquid—support precise work. The compound’s well-understood molecular structure delivers predictable physical and chemical behavior. The density of sodium bromide and its solubility keep it in demand for fluid control and synthesis. While sodium bromide stays safe with careful handling and attention to labeling, education, and protective equipment, respect for the chemical’s role ensures continued performance in industry and research.
