Calcium bromide (CaBr2) is used as a developer for photographic film and paper and as a
dehydrating agent (drying agent), food preservative, and fire retardant.
Calcium bromide has the chemical formula CaBr2. It
was first prepared by Pfeiffer, Klossmann and Angern
in 1924. It is a deliquescent salt that has the form of
colorless hexagonal crystals that are soluble in water and absolute alcohol. Its molecular weight is 199.90 g/
mol for the anhydride. When strongly heated in air,
calcium bromide will produce CaO (lime) and Br2. It
is generally obtained as the dihydrate, CaBr2·2H2O,
in the form of a white crystalline powder. A hexahydrate,
CaBr2·6H2O, is also known. Anhydrous calcium
bromide is obtained by dehydration (250°C, vacuum)
of the dihydrate CaBr2·2H2O. On contact with hot
surfaces or flames, CaBr2 decomposes forming
bromine as a toxic and corrosive fume. It also reacts
with strong acids to produce corrosive fumes of
bromine.
In its solid anhydrous state, it is a white powder.
CaBr2 can be found in drilling muds, neuroses medication,
freezing mixtures, food preservatives, photography
and fire retardants. The anhydride has a melting point
of 730°C and a boiling point of 810°C where it decomposes.
Its density is 3.41 g/cm3. It is moderately soluble
in water at 142 g/100 ml of water.
Calciumbromide, CaBr2, is a colorless crystalline solid with a melting point of 765°C. It is deliquescent and is soluble in water and absolute alcohol. Calcium bromide is used in medicine. Calcium bromide(hydrated), CaBr2·3H20, has a meiting point of 80.5℃.
Made by the action of hydrobromic acid on calcium oxide
and crystallization. The white granular crystals are soluble in
water. Calcium bromide was used in making collodion emulsions,
particularly for dye-sensitized plates.
In photography for making dry plates and light-sensitive papers; manufacture of mineral waters, NH4Br, fire-extinguishing compositions.
Calcium bromide has a number of useful applications.
Used in the oil and gas fields, the compound is a
true working example. At almost every stage of the oil
and gas extraction process, calcium bromide has found
extensive usage. Stability, dependability and ease of
use distinguish calcium bromide in the drilling process.
There, it is used in “drilling muds” worldwide.
CaBr2·2H2O has a melting point of 38°C where it
dissolves in its own waters of hydration. Its density is
2.290 g/cm3. It can be prepared by reaction in solution
with HBr on the carbonate:
CaCO3 (solid)＋HBr (liq)→CaBr2 (liq)＋ CO2 (gas)
An improved method for producing calcium bromide
has been developed by reacting hydrogen bromide with
calcium hydroxide in the presence of water.
ChEBI: Calcium dibromide is a calcium salt.
