Bromine - THE UNIQUE LIQUID ELEMENT!

Summary

This video explores the hazardous and pungent element bromine, highlighting its unique liquid state at room temperature and its position in the periodic table among halogens. The presenter demonstrates the extraction of elemental bromine from potassium bromide using a mixture of sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide, emphasizing the toxic nature of bromine vapors. The video also showcases bromine's role in organic chemistry, including its reactions with aniline and benzene, and discusses the health implications of potassium bromate and bromide in food.

Takeaways

• 🌌 Bromine is a unique halogen that exists as a liquid under normal conditions, situated between chlorine and iodine in the periodic table.
• 🔍 The discovery of bromine is attributed to 1825 when it was extracted from an aqueous solution using chlorine.
• 🧪 Bromine can be extracted from potassium bromide with the help of chlorine bleach and hydrochloric acid, resulting in a color change to pale brown.
• 🌊 Bromine is often sourced from saltwater, particularly from the Dead Sea in Israel or brines in the United States, due to its presence in rocks and water.
• 🧪 In the lab, bromine is extracted from potassium bromide using a mixture of concentrated sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide, which must be carefully controlled.
• ⚠️ Bromine vapors are highly toxic, and safety measures such as using a fume hood are essential during extraction.
• 🍂 The smell of bromine is described as sharp and strong, similar to but distinct from chlorine and iodine.
• 🧪 Bromine is a strong oxidizer, as demonstrated by its reaction with aluminum foil, which results in a colorful and active reaction.
• 🛒 Bromine is commonly used in organic synthesis, not just for colorful demonstrations, and is stored in glass ampules for long-term preservation.
• 🔬 A classic experiment involves the reaction between bromine and aniline, which, after purification, results in a heavy oily liquid with an almond aroma.
• ⚠️ Bromine compounds, such as potassium bromate, are toxic and can have negative health effects, including psychological disorders, though used in some food industries.

Q & A

What is bromine and why is it considered dangerous?

Bromine is a chemical element that can exist in a liquid state under normal conditions and is known for its strong, unpleasant smell. It is considered dangerous due to its toxicity; inhaling its vapors can be harmful to the lungs.

Where is bromine located in the periodic table?

Bromine is located in the last but one group of halogens in the periodic table, between chlorine and iodine, indicating its chemical properties lie between these two elements.

How was bromine first discovered?

Bromine was first discovered in 1825 when two scientists independently extracted the element from aqueous solutions using chlorine solution.

What is the process of extracting elemental bromine from potassium bromide?

Elemental bromine can be extracted from potassium bromide by reacting it with a mixture of concentrated sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide, known as perchloric acid, which acts as an oxidizer.

Why is toluene or purified petrol used in the extraction process of bromine?

Toluene or purified petrol is used because these nonpolar solvents dissolve bromine better than water does, allowing bromine to rise to the top of the organic layer during extraction.

Where are the main sources of bromine extraction today?

Most bromine is extracted from saltwater in the Dead Sea in Israel or from brines in the deserts of the United States, as these sources are rich in bromide ions.

What happens when bromine is added to a solution with aluminum foil?

When bromine is added to a solution with aluminum foil, a reaction starts that is quite active and colorful, producing aluminum bromide, which breaks down into aluminum hydroxide and hydrogen bromide when water is added.

How is bromine typically stored in laboratories?

In laboratories, bromine is typically stored in glass ampules, which can preserve it for a long time as it does not react with the container when sealed.

What is the reaction between bromine and aniline?

The reaction between bromine and aniline results in the formation of a heavy oily liquid with an intense almond aroma, which is bromobenzene, used for further organic reactions.

Why is potassium bromate considered toxic and carcinogenic?

Potassium bromate is considered toxic and carcinogenic because it can cause health issues such as psychological disorders and interference with nerve impulse transmission when bromide ions are constantly present in the body.

How does the presence of bromine in food affect health?

The presence of bromine in food, particularly as a food additive like potassium bromate, can lead to health issues due to bromide ions interfering with brain neurons and potentially causing psychological disorders and other mental health problems.