The hydrobromic Acid formula, also recognized as the Hydrogen bromide formula is given in this article. It is a diatomic molecule that subsists of a single covalent bond between the hydrogen and bromine atoms. It is a very strong acid as the covalent bond can be easily ionized because of the high electronegativity of the Bromine atom. Therefore it is more capable than hydrochloric acid. The chemical or molecular formula of Hydrobromic Acid is HBr.
In its anhydrous structure, it appears as a colourless gas and its fumes have a pungent annoying odour. It is colourless in its anhydrous form. In its aqueous form, it arrives as a colourless to faint yellow liquid and has an acrid odour. It is corrosive and a strong mineral acid. It is obtained by softening the diatomic molecule i.e hydrogen bromide in water.
What is Hydrobromic Acid?
Hydrobromic acid is a dominant acid composed in water by dissolving the bromide of hydrogen. Hydrobromic acid is a diatomic molecule with the chemical formula for hydrobromic acid is HBr. Hydrogen bromide is a colourless, asphyxiating gas, very soluble in water and highly dissociated in an aqueous solution. It eagerly fumes in the presence of moist air. Hydrogen bromide gas is an eminently corrosive substance that can cause serious burns upon contact.
- Other names: Hydrogen bromide, bromane, HBr, Hydrobromic Acid
- Density: 1.49 g/cm³
- Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass: 80.9119 g/mol
- Boiling Point: 122 °C
- Melting Point: -11 °C
- Chemical Formula: HBr
Hydrobromic Acid Formula and Structure
When we describe the chemical formula of hydrobromic acid, which is aqueous hydrogen bromide, it is HBr. The molar mass of hydrobromic acid is 80.9 g/mol.
This is an uncomplicated, diatomic molecule having a single covalent bond which is between the bromine and hydrogen atoms. This bond can easily ionize (releasing H+) due to the high electronegativity of Br. Therefore, this causes HBr to be quite a strong acid.
Formation
One can form hydrobromic acid on the laboratory scale after acting bromine, sulfur dioxide with water. It will give out sulphuric acid as a by-product.
Br2 + SO2 + 2 H2O → H2SO4 + 2 HBr
Looking at the industrial extent, we see that hydrobromic acid is also commonly developed via the reaction of dilute sulphuric acid along with potassium bromide.
H2SO4 + KBr → KHSO4 + HBr
Therefore, in order to make hydrobromic acid accessible in the commercial field in different concentrations and purities, we dilute it or conduct it.
Physical Properties
If you want to learn about the actual physical properties of HBr like the boiling point, melting point and density, it will basically be dependent on the concentration of it in the aqueous solution. We detect that hydrobromic acid can commonly be availed in a ‘constant boiling form’, which is an aqueous solution (around 48% w/w).
It is found to be colourless or in a very pale yellow colour liquid. The density of hydrobromic acid is 1.49 g/mL. Likewise, when we look at its boiling point, it is 122-124 °C. Other than that, it has got quite a strong pungent odour.
Chemical Properties
Hydrobromic acid is said to be quite a strong mineral acid. Studies show that it is stronger than hydrochloric acid. It has a common reaction with bases to produce bromide salts. Further, HBr is also very reactive and corrosive to most of the metals.
Uses
Hydrobromic acid has countless uses in many fields. In the industrial field, it is used for constructing multiple useful inorganic bromides and organobromine compounds. For example, zinc bromide, allyl bromide and bromoacetic acid. Moreover, it is also a common substance in organic chemistry. It is so because, In organic chemistry, it has got uses in oxidation and catalysis. Moreover, it is also a very compelling chemical that we use to derive specific metal ores.
Health Hazards
Hydrobromic acid is quite a corrosive acid that may induce major tissue damage. If you inhale the pungent fumes of Hydrobromic acid, you may suffer from irritation in the eyes and it can contaminate your eyes as well as mucous membranes, respiratory system. If you come in contact with this acid through the eyes or skin, you may get severe burns. Moreover, completely avoid swallowing as the acid will result in causing permanent tissue damage.