Sodium bromide

PROPERTIES

Sodium bromide is a high-melting white, crystalline, hygroscopic solid. It is odorless but has a saline and a bitter taste. Stable under ordinary conditions, thoroughly soluble in water, partially soluble in alcohol and acids. Its water solution is neutral and has electoconductibility.

APPLICATIONS

PHARMA

Also known as Sedoneural, sodium bromide has been used for making medicinal intermediates in pharmaceutical preparations, e.g. hypnotic, anticonvulsant, diuretic and sedative. It is used as a source of the bromide ion, which is pharmacologically active.

Sodium bromide is one of the anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) because of its anti-seizure properties. Bromide is considered the second drug of choice when it comes to controlling seizures.

PHOTOGRAPHY

The photosensitive salt silver bromide is prepared using NaBr. Sodium bromide is employed in the preparation of photographic emulsions to make it sensitive and further in its processing.

WATER TREATMENT

Sodium bromide is used for water clarification. It establishes a bromide ion reserve in a bromine spa antimicrobial treatment regimen and becomes a very effective biocide. The disinfection is completely bromine-based and chlorine odors does not exist. It is applied in industrial cooling towers, pools and spas (it protects against the formation and growth of algae, bacteria and odours).

PETROLEUM INDUSTRY

Sodium bromide is used as a heavy, clear brine fluid in completing and working over oil and gas wells.

PREPARATION OF OTHER COMPOUNDS

Sodium bromide is a source of the bromide nucleophile to convert organochlorine compounds to organobromine derivatives, which are more useful reactives. It is also used as intermediate chemical for manufacture of various other chemicals.

Other uses:

Wood preservative, flame retardant additive.

Pesticide (antimicrobal, fungicide, herbicide, insecticide and molluscicide).

Destarching agent for cotton printing mill.