Why is Bromine Considered a Vital Element in Industrial Uses?

Bromine is a rare chemical element that holds untapped potential within its molecular structure. From its presence in natural ecosystems to its role in pharmaceuticals, bromine has been at the forefront of various scientific breakthroughs. But what is it about the chemical compound that makes it so special and versatile?

Since its discovery in the early 19th century, bromine compounds have found a multitude of applications in various sectors. In this blog post, we take you to the realm of bromine, detailing the basics, properties, and applications of the naturally occurring chemical element. Also, we shed light on the top companies in the global market for bromine.

What Is Bromine?

Bromine is a naturally occurring, toxic, and corrosive element that’s a member of the halogen elements of the periodic table. Other than mercury, it’s the only element on the periodic table known to be liquid. Also, bromine is the only non-metal element that exists in liquid form at room temperature and pressure. The sources of bromine are the earth’s crust and seawater.

Bromine carries a reddish-brown color and evaporates easily into a red suffocating vapor with a strong smell. It’s toxic and highly corrosive to metals and the human skin. Bromine leads to rapid reaction to other elements and has a bleaching effect when exposed to the skin. As such, effective measures are necessary when handling the toxic, highly corrosive chemical element.

Chemical Properties of Bromine

Below, we’ve detailed the chemical properties of bromine:

• Atomic number: 35
• Atomic mass: 79.904 g.mol -1
• Density: 3.1 g.cm-3 at 20°C
• Boiling point: 58.8 °C
• Melting point: - 7.2 °C
• Isotopes: 10
• Electronegativity according to Pauling: 2.8
• Vanderwaals radius: 0.165 nm
• Ionic radius: 0.195 nm (-1)
• Electronic shell: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p5
• Standard potential: 1.08 V
• Discovered by: Anthoine Balard (1826)

Who Are Major Bromine Producers?

The market for bromine has the presence of several established players. These companies have been focusing on acquisition, expansion, and agreement strategies that help them expand their businesses in potential markets. Also, they have adopted several organic and inorganic strategies to boost their market presence. The leading manufacturers of bromine include:

ICL Group Ltd

Founded: 1968

Headquarters: Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

ICL is a multinational manufacturing concern that develops innovative and impactful solutions for the world’s sustainability challenges in the global agriculture, food, and industrial markets. The company’s product portfolio includes potash, phosphoric acid, specialty fertilizers, bromine, and flame retardants. Also, it produces magnesium and offers water desalination solutions. In January 2023, ICL announced the launch of BromoQuel®, a bromine neutralization system. The first-of-its-kind system enables industrial plants to execute quicker, simpler, and more effective first responses.

Tosoh Corporation

Founded: 1935

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan

Tosoh Corporation is a global chemical and specialty materials company. The company has 13 business divisions that are organized across five groups: Chlor-Alkali, Specialty, Petrochemical, Engineering, and Support Services. Its primary products include olefins, polymers, basic chemicals, cement, organic chemicals, and advanced materials. Also, Tosho Corporation caters to the bio-science sector by offering automated immunoassays, molecular analyzers, and reagents.

Gulf Resources Inc

Founded: 1963

Headquarters: Shouguang, Weifang, China

Gulf Resources Inc. produces and markets crude salt, bromine, chemical products, and natural gas in China. The company explores bromine and manufactures bromine and crude salt in four facilities through its subsidiary, Shouguang City Hao Yuan Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (SCHC). Also, Gulf Resources Inc. has three other facilities that await regulatory approval. The company produces specialty chemicals for various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, oil and gas exploration, paper making, and agricultural applications.

LANXESS

Founded: 2004

Headquarters: Cologne, Germany

LANXESS is a leading specialty chemicals company that specializes in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of chemical intermediates, additives, and consumer protection products. The company has more than 12,000 employees and operates in 30+ countries worldwide. LANXESS has a broad product portfolio, with its customers having over 2,000 products at their disposal. In August 2023, special chemical and fine ingredient distributor Palmer Holland expanded its distribution partnership with LANXESS’ Polymer Additive Business. The partnership aims to offer flame retardants produced using bromine derivatives.

Tata Chemicals Limited

Founded: 1939

Headquarters: Mumbai

Tata Chemicals Limited is an Indian multinational company that focuses on chemicals, crop protection, and specialty chemistry products. The company has operations across Europe, North America, India, and Africa. Tata Chemicals Limited manufactures a wide range of bromine and bromine-based compounds, including hydrobromic acid, bromine technical, and sodium bromide. Other chemical products of the company include caustic soda, chlorine-based products, and gypsum.

What Is Bromine Used For?

Bromine is a versatile element with several applications in industry and every day life. These include:

Fire Safety: Bromine compounds find applications in flame retardants, where they slow down ignition and prevent burning. This makes materials such as plastics and luxury furniture less combustible.

Water Treatment: Bromine is used as an alternative to chlorine to treat water. The use of bromine prevents algae and microorganisms in swimming pools.

Pharmaceuticals: Bromine is contained in several over-the-counter prescription drugs to treat a range of health conditions. Bromide ions, which have the ability to lower the sensitivity of the central nervous system, are effective for use as tranquilizers and sedatives.

Photography: A well-known use of bromine is making photographic films. The light sensitivity of silver bromide makes it effective in the manufacturing of photography plates.

Batteries: Bromine has applications in the production of materials for high-capacity batteries, including EV batteries.

Oil and Gas: Bromine is used in the development of clear brine fluids for oil and gas exploration.

Energy Storage: Bromine finds applications in the development of storage solutions for hybrid microgrids that run on clean energy.

Conclusion

Bromine is a versatile chemical element with unique properties. It has diverse applications and can be found in various scientific and industrial fields. Bromine manufacturers play a key role in shaping industries and the world around us by offering innovative products and processes