ZINC BROMIDE

ZINC BROMIDE

ZINC BROMIDE=Zinc(II) bromide=Zinc dibromide

CAS NUMBER:7699-45-8
EC NUMBER:231-718-4
Molecular Weight:225.20
Molecular Formula:ZnBr2

⯈ DEFINITION OF ZINC BROMIDE:
Zinc bromide (ZnBr2) is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula ZnBr2. 
Zinc bromide is a colourless salt that shares many properties with zinc chloride (ZnCl2), namely a high solubility in water forming acidic solutions, and good solubility in organic solvents.
Zinc bromide is hygroscopic and forms a dihydrate ZnBr2·2H2
The zinc bromide is completely dissolved in the clear solution, with a density of 1.9 g / ml, at a pH between 5 and 7.
In general, zinc bromide is very soluble in water and also in ethanol and ether.
In aqueous solution, zinc bromide is a Lewis acid and highly corrosive, also highly hygroscopic (water-attracting) both as a solid and in solution.
Zinc bromide is a white crystalline powder prepared by dissolving zinc carbonate in hydrobromic acid.
Zinc chloride (ZnCl2) is a white granular crystal made by the action of hydrochloric acid on zinc.
All of the zinc halides are soluble in water, alcohol, and ether.
They were all used as halides for the collodion emulsion processes.

⯈ USES/BENEFITS OF ZINC BROMIDE:
Zinc bromide is used in organic chemistry as a Lewis acid.
Zinc bromide is the electrolyte in the zinc bromide battery.
In oil and natural gas wells, solutions containing zinc bromide are used to displace drilling mud when transitioning from the drilling phase to the completion phase or in well workover operations.
The extremely dense brine solution gives the fluid its weight of 20 pounds/gallon, which makes it especially useful in holding back flammable oil and gas particles in high pressure wells.
However, the high acidity and osmolarity cause corrosion and handling problems.
Crews must be issued slicker suits and rubber boots because the fluid is so dehydrating.
Zinc bromide solutions can be used as a transparent shield against radiation. 
The space between two glass panes is filled with a strong aqueous solution of zinc bromide with a very high density, to be used as a window on a hot cell.
This type of window has the advantage over lead glass in that it will not darken as a result of exposure to radiation.
All glass will darken slowly over time due to radiation, however this is especially true in a hot cell, where exceptional levels of radiation are present.
The advantage of an aqueous salt solution is that any radiation damage will last less than a millisecond, so the shield will undergo self-repair.
Zinc bromide has been used as a transparent shield against radiation.
Zinc Bromide is used as a catalyst in the synthesis of tetrazoles which exhibit antibacterial activity in vitro. 
Zinc Bromide is also a zinc salt that is added as a nutritional or functional ingredient in food and oral care products.

⯈ APPLICATIONS OF ZINC BROMIDE:
Zinc bromide is mainly used in the oil industry, electrolysis, catalysis, the electrical industry and metalworking companies
In deep-sea drilling, zinc bromide is used to seal the well and, through its high density, build up pressure to keep the well open over its entire length.
In the metalworking industry, however, zinc bromide is used for metals and electrolysis because of its corrosive action.
ZnBr2 is also used as flux for soldering and as a catalyst in organic chemistry.
Zinc bromide is an optimal catalyst for stereospecific and regioselective reaction of silacyclopropanes with carbonyl compounds.
Zinc bromide is employed as a lewis acid in organic chemistry. 
In the nuclear industry, zinc bromide (ZnBr2) is used for radiation shielding.
Zinc bromide is used to make silver bromide emulsions ( photography), rayon, batteries, and viewing windows for nuclear reactions.
Zinc bromide is also used as an absorbent in humidity control, to increase the density of drilling muds, and as an activating agent in the production of activated carbon; [HSDB]

⯈ PRODUCTION
ZnBr2 · 2H2O is prepared by treating zinc oxide or zinc metal with hydrobromic acid.
ZnO + 2 HBr + H2O → ZnBr2·2H2O
Zn + 2 HBr → ZnBr2 + H2
The anhydrous material can be produced by dehydration of the dihydrate with hot CO2 or by reaction of zinc metal and bromine.
Sublimation in a stream of hydrogen bromide also gives the anhydrous derivative.

⯈ STRUCTURE
Crystalline ZnBr2 adopts the same structure as ZnI2: four tetrahedral Zn centers share three vertices to form “super-tetrahedra” of nominal composition {Zn4Br10}2−, which are linked by their vertices to form a three-dimensional structure.
The dihydrate ZnBr2 · 2H2O also has a usual structure and should be described as Zn(H2O)6 Zn2Br6, where the Zn2Br62− ion has bromine bridges linking the two zinc atoms. 
A similar structure is found in the dimeric form of aluminium bromide (Al2Br6).
Gaseous ZnBr2 is linear in accordance with VSEPR theory with a Zn-Br bond length of 221 pm.

⯈ SAFETY MEASURES:
•First aid measures:
General Information: Immediately remove any clothing contaminated by the product. 
Move out of dangerous area. 
Consult a physician and show this safety data sheet.
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration. 
If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
Obtain medical aid.
Skin contact: Immediately flush skin with running water for at least 15 minutes while removing
contaminated clothing and shoes. 
Wash clothing before reuse.
Obtain medical aid immediately.
Eye contact: Immediately flush open eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes. 
Obtain medical aid immediately.
Ingestion: Do NOT induce vomiting without medical advice. 
Rinse mouth with water. Never administer anything by mouth to an unconscious person. 
Obtain medical aid immediately
•Firefighting Measures:
Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or chemical foam.
Specific hazards arising from the chemical: Hydrogen bromide, Zinc oxides.
Advice for firefighters: As in any fire, wear a NIOSH-approved or equivalent, pressure-demand, self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear.
During a fire, irritating and highly toxic gases may be generated by thermal decomposition or combustion.
•Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and personal clothing. 
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Avoid breathing fumes. 
Use only with adequate ventilation. 
Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves, and eye/face protection. 
Keep away from sources of ignition. 
Minimize dust generation and accumulation.
Keep container tightly closed. 
Open and handle container with care.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities: Store in a tightly-closedcontainer when not in use.
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances.
Keep away from sources of ignition.
Store long-term at room temperature.

⯈ PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF  ZINC BROMIDE:
Min. Purity Spec:98%
Physical Form (at 20°C):White powder
Molar mass:225.18 g / mol
Density (solid):4.2 g / cm3
Melting point:394 ° C
Boiling point (solid):697 ° C
Solubility in water:(20 ° C) 4470 g / cm3
Other solubilities: soluble in ether,solutions of alkali hydroxides,1g/0.5mL 90% alcohol
Heat of Vaporization :118 kJ/mol

Compound Type:
Bromide Compound
Industrial/Workplace Toxin
Inorganic Compound
Synthetic Compound
Zinc Compound

⯈ SYNONYMS OF ZINC BROMIDE:
Zinc(II) bromide
Zinc dibromide
ZINCBROMIDE
zinc;dibromide
zinc (II) bromide
ACMC-209p7h
Zinc bromide, 98%, extra pure, anhydrous
dibromozinc
Zinc bromide (USA and United Kingdom)
Bromure de zinc (France)
Zinc bromides (Netherlands)

⯈ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON ZINC BROMIDE
•Method of producing Zinc Bromide:
A method for making zinc bromide from metallic zinc and bromine comprising contacting zinc with bromine dissolved in a reaction solvent containing a metal halide salt.
During the practice of this method, the reaction temperature is maintained at less than 60°C.
The reaction solvent preferably comprises an alkali, alkaline earth or transition metal halide and the halide salt preferably comprises a chloride or a bromide.
One preferred method includes the step of recirculating the zinc bromide product stream back to the reaction vessel.
The reaction vessel can comprise either a one stage or a multiple stage reactor.
The resulting product stream comprises a high density zinc bromide solution.