Bromine water

Bromine Water

Bromine water in a laboratory setting

Bromine water is a solution of bromine (Br_) in water. It is a reddish-brown liquid at room temperature and is commonly used in chemical laboratories for various tests and reactions. Bromine water is known for its ability to react with unsaturated organic compounds, making it a useful reagent in organic chemistry.

Properties

Bromine water is characterized by its distinctive reddish-brown color, which is due to the presence of dissolved bromine. The solution is volatile and has a strong, unpleasant odor. Bromine is only slightly soluble in water, and the concentration of bromine in bromine water is typically low.

Uses

Bromine water is primarily used as a test reagent in organic chemistry. It is used to test for the presence of alkenes and alkynes, which are types of unsaturated hydrocarbons. When bromine water is added to an alkene or alkyne, the reddish-brown color of the solution disappears, indicating a reaction has occurred. This is due to the addition of bromine across the double or triple bonds of the unsaturated compound, forming a colorless dibromo compound.

Reaction with Alkenes

When bromine water is added to an alkene, the bromine molecules add across the carbon-carbon double bond, resulting in a dibromoalkane. This reaction is a type of electrophilic addition reaction.

Reaction with Alkynes

Similarly, bromine water reacts with alkynes, adding across the carbon-carbon triple bond to form a tetrabromoalkane. This reaction also proceeds via an electrophilic addition mechanism.

Safety and Handling

Bromine water is corrosive and can cause burns upon contact with skin. It is also harmful if inhaled or ingested. Proper safety precautions should be taken when handling bromine water, including the use of gloves, goggles, and working in a well-ventilated area or fume hood.

Related Pages

• Bromine
• Alkene
• Alkyne
• Electrophilic addition reaction