Bromine

Abstract Bromine is the only nonmetallic element that is a liquid under standard conditions. Bromine is widely distributed in nature, but in relatively small amounts. The biggest source of commercial bromine is the Dead Sea Brines. Bromine compounds are found in the atmosphere in small amounts; the sea is the primary source. Bromine is a dense, dark red liquid that vaporizes readily at room temperature to give a red vapor that is highly corrosive to many materials and human tissue. Bromine occurs in the form of bromides in seawater and in natural brine deposits, always together with chloride. In all methods of bromine production, chlorine, which has a higher reduction potential than bromine, is used to oxidize bromide to bromine. Facilities for manufacturing bromine are primarily located near sources of natural brines. Some bromide solutions are recycled to obtain elemental bromine and to prevent solutions from being disposed of as hazardous waste. The major uses of bromine in order of consumption are in flame retardants, drilling fluids, water treatment, pesticides and other miscellaneous.