Beyond Atomic Numbers - Every Element Has a Story
79.904
17
4
P Block
Halogen
Bromine was discovered independently in 1825 by Carl Jacob Löwig and in 1826 by Antoine Jérôme Balard. The name comes from the Greek word bromos, meaning "bad smell," because bromine has a strong, irritating odor.
Bromine is found in seawater, salt lakes and underground brine deposits. Today, much of the world's bromine is extracted from highly concentrated saltwater sources.
Group 17 | Period 4 | P Block | Halogen
Bromine is widely used in flame-retardant materials, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, drilling fluids, photography and specialty chemicals.
Chlorine, Iodine, Sodium and Potassium
Bromine is highly reactive and readily combines with many metals and organic compounds. Because it is corrosive and toxic, it must be handled carefully.
Electronic Configuration: [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁵
Bromine's strong chemical reactivity makes it valuable in manufacturing flame-retardant materials, medicines and industrial chemicals.
Bromine is the only non-metal that exists as a liquid at ordinary room temperature. Its reddish-brown liquid slowly evaporates into red vapors.
Among all non-metals, bromine is unique because it remains a liquid near room temperature. Only mercury shares this property among common elements, but mercury is a metal.
Many bromine compounds are added to plastics, electronic devices and construction materials to slow the spread of fire and improve safety.
Certain bromine compounds are used in pharmaceuticals, antiseptics and chemical synthesis for producing important medicines.
Bromine compounds are used to disinfect water in swimming pools, spas and cooling towers because they remain effective under a wide range of conditions.
Silver bromide crystals are highly sensitive to light and played a vital role in traditional photographic films before the digital camera era.
For over a century, silver bromide was the foundation of photographic film. When exposed to light, silver bromide crystals underwent chemical changes that allowed photographs to be developed. This technology preserved countless historical moments before the digital age.
Scientists continue studying bromine compounds for advanced batteries, pharmaceuticals, specialty polymers and environmentally safer flame-retardant technologies.
Like many heavier elements, bromine was formed through stellar nucleosynthesis inside stars and distributed throughout the universe by supernova explosions.
The reddish-brown color of bromine vapor makes it one of the easiest elements to recognize in a chemistry laboratory. Its distinctive appearance and strong odor make it unforgettable.