General Description
A white crystalline noncombustible solid. The primary hazard is the threat to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit its spread to the environment. ZINC BROMIDE(7699-45-8) is used in medicine, in photography.
Reactivity Profile
Acidic inorganic salts, such as ZINC BROMIDE, are generally soluble in water. The resulting solutions contain moderate concentrations of hydrogen ions and have pH's of less than 7.0. They react as acids to neutralize bases. These neutralizations generate heat, but less or far less than is generated by neutralization of inorganic acids, inorganic oxoacids, and carboxylic acid. They usually do not react as either oxidizing agents or reducing agents but such behavior is not impossible. Many of these compounds catalyze organic reactions.
Air & Water Reactions
Hygroscopic. Water soluble
Health Hazard
Inhalation of dust may irritate nose and throat. Ingestion can cause irritation or corrosion of the alimentary tract; if large amount is swallowed and not thrown up, drowsiness and other symptoms of bromide poisoning may occur. Contact with eyes or skin causes irritation.
Potential Exposure
Zinc bromide is used in photography,
rayon manufacturing and medicine
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,
begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including
resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical
facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical
attention. Give large quantities of water and induce
vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.
Shipping
UN3260 Corrosive solid, acidic, inorganic, n.o.s.,
Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8-Corrosive material, Technical
Name Required. UN3077 Environmentally hazardous substances,
solid, n.o.s., Hazard class: 9; Labels: 9-Miscellaneous
hazardous material, Technical Name Required.
Incompatibilities
Keep away from alkali metals.
Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides,
permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine,
etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away
from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids,
epoxides, metallic sodium, or potassium. Store above
32 ℉/0℃.
Chemical Properties
Zinc bromide is an odorless white crystalline solid or white hygroscopic powder.
Physical properties
White crystalline powder; sharp metallic taste; orthorhombic structure; refractive index 1.5452; density 4.20 g/cm3; very hygroscopic; melts at 394°C; vaporizes at 650°C; highly soluble in water 447g/100 mL at 20°C; aqueous solution acidic; very soluble in alcohol, ether, and acetone; soluble in alkali hydroxides and ammonia solution.
Preparation
Zinc bromide is prepared by mixing barium bromide and zinc sulfate solutions. The product barium sulfate is removed by filtration and the filtrate is evaporated to obtain crystals of zinc bromide: BaBr2 + ZnSO4 → ZnBr2 + BaSO4
Zinc bromide also may be prepared by the action of zinc with hydrobromic acid followed by crystallization.
Flammability and Explosibility
Nonflammable
Purification Methods
Heat ZnBr2 to 300o under vacuum (2x10-2 mm) for 1hour, then sublime it. [Wagenknecht & Juza Handbook of Preparative Inorganic Chemistry (Ed. Brauer) Academic Press Vol II p 1072 1965.]
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