Bromine vs. Bromide — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 3, 2023
Bromine is a reddish-brown liquid chemical element, symbol Br. Bromide is a negatively charged ion of bromine, or a compound containing bromine in its -1 oxidation state.
Difference Between Bromine and Bromide
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Bromine is a chemical element with the symbol Br and atomic number 35, one of the halogens on the periodic table. It is known for its strong, unpleasant odor and is hazardous in its pure form. Bromide, on the other hand, is a term used for the anion Br- when bromine gains an electron, or for compounds containing this anion.
The element bromine is a heavy, volatile liquid at room temperature, with applications ranging from flame retardants to pharmaceuticals. Bromide ions are often part of salts like sodium bromide, which are used in a variety of applications from medical to photographic chemicals.
Bromine, when isolated, is a reddish-brown liquid that evaporates easily at room temperature to form a gas. Bromide salts are typically white solids and are far less reactive than elemental bromine, making them easier and safer to handle.
In the context of chemistry, bromine refers to the pure element used in reactions or for synthesis. Bromide is generally referred to in the context of its salts or as part of a larger compound where bromine has reacted with another element.
Bromine's reactivity is due to it being an element, whereas bromide's stability comes from its existence as an ion or in ionic compounds. The two terms are related but represent different forms of the substance with distinct physical and chemical properties.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Elemental form
Ionic form
State at Room Temp.
Liquid
Usually solid (in salts)
Reactivity
Highly reactive
Less reactive
Usage
Synthesis, disinfectants
Medications, photography
Existence
Pure substance
Part of a compound
Compare with Definitions
Bromine
It is the only nonmetallic element that is a liquid under normal conditions.
Bromine is noticeable for its reddish-brown liquid state.
Bromide
Bromide is a negatively charged ion of bromine.
Potassium bromide is commonly used as a bromide salt.
Bromine
Bromine is used industrially in the production of various chemicals.
Bromine compounds are essential in the pharmaceutical industry.
Bromide
It's also a term for a compound containing the bromide ion.
Sodium bromide is used in photographic processing.
Bromine
It is a volatile and corrosive liquid at room temperature.
Due to its volatility, bromine must be stored carefully.
Bromide
In old-fashioned slang, a bromide is a trite statement or cliché.
His speech was filled with the usual bromides about hard work and success.
Bromine
Bromine is a halogen element with a reddish-brown color and a pungent odor.
Bromine is used in the manufacture of flame retardants.
Bromide
Bromide ions are less reactive and often found in salt form.
Bromide salts are abundant in seawater.
Bromine
Bromine is a diatomic molecule, meaning it exists as two atoms bonded together in its elemental form.
Bromine's diatomic nature contributes to its high reactivity.
Bromide
Medicinal bromides are used for their sedative properties.
Bromide was historically used to calm nerves.
Bromine
Bromine is a chemical element with the symbol Br and atomic number 35. It is the third-lightest halogen, and is a fuming red-brown liquid at room temperature that evaporates readily to form a similarly coloured vapour.
Bromide
A bromide ion is the negatively charged form (Br−) of the element bromine, a member of the halogens group on the periodic table.
Bromine
A dense, volatile, corrosive, reddish-brown, nonmetallic liquid halogen element that exists as a diatomic molecule, Br2 having a highly irritating vapor. Chiefly isolated from brines, it is used in producing fumigants, dyes, water purification compounds, and photographic chemicals. Atomic weight 79.904; atomic number 35; melting point -7.2°C; boiling point 58.8°C; density of gas 7.59 grams per liter; specific gravity (liquid, at 20°C) 3.12; valence 1, 3, 5, 7. See Periodic Table.
Bromide
Univalent anionic bromine, or a compound of bromine, especially a binary compound of bromine with a more electropositive element.
Bromine
(uncountable) A nonmetallic chemical element (symbol Br) with an atomic number of 35; one of the halogens, it is a fuming red-brown liquid at room temperature.
Bromide
Potassium bromide.
Bromine
(countable) A bromine atom
Bromide
A commonplace remark or notion; a platitude.
Bromine
One of the halogen elements, related in its chemical qualities to chlorine and iodine. Atomic weight 79.8. Symbol Br. It is a deep reddish brown liquid of a very disagreeable odor, emitting a brownish vapor at the ordinary temperature. In combination it is found in minute quantities in sea water, and in many saline springs. It occurs also in the mineral bromyrite.
Bromide
A tiresome person; a bore.
Bromine
A nonmetallic largely pentavalent heavy volatile corrosive dark brown liquid element belonging to the halogens; found in sea water
Bromide
(inorganic chemistry) A binary compound of bromine and some other element or radical.
Bromide
A dose of bromide taken as a sedative, or to reduce sexual appetite.
Bromide
(by extension) A dull person with conventional thoughts.
My adviser at college was a bromide who had not had an original thought in years.
Bromide
A platitude.
We hoped the speech would include reassurances, but instead it was merely one bromide after another.
Bromide
(photography) A print made on bromide paper.
Bromide
A compound of bromine with a positive radical.
Bromide
A person who is conventional and commonplace in his habits of thought and conversation.
The bromide conforms to everything sanctioned by the majority, and may be depended upon to be trite, banal, and arbitrary.
Bromide
A conventional or trite saying; - often used in the phrase "old bromide".
Bromide
Any of the salts of hydrobromic acid; used as a sedative
Bromide
A trite or obvious remark
Bromide
A sedative in the form of sodium or potassium bromide
Common Curiosities
Can bromine be used for disinfection?
Yes, bromine is used as a disinfectant in pools and hot tubs.
Is bromine found naturally in the environment?
Yes, bromine is naturally present in the earth’s crust and oceans.
What are bromides used for?
Bromides are used in medicine, photography, and as chemical reactants.
How is bromine produced commercially?
Bromine is typically extracted from brine pools.
Is bromine a metal or nonmetal?
Bromine is a nonmetal.
Is bromine used in the pharmaceutical industry?
Yes, bromine compounds are used to synthesize various drugs.
What precautions are necessary when handling bromine?
Protective clothing and proper ventilation are required when handling bromine.
What is the chemical symbol for bromine?
The chemical symbol for bromine is Br.
What state of matter is elemental bromine at room temperature?
Bromine is a liquid at room temperature.
Are bromides safe to handle?
Yes, bromide salts are typically safer to handle than elemental bromine.
Are bromides reactive?
Bromides are less reactive than bromine but can still participate in chemical reactions.
What are the hazards of bromine?
Bromine is toxic and corrosive, requiring careful handling.
Do bromides occur in food?
Yes, bromides can be found in trace amounts in many foods.
Is bromine heavier than water?
Yes, bromine is about 3.1 times denser than water.
Can bromides be toxic?
In large amounts, bromides can be harmful and have sedative effects.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
