Potassium Bromide: Properties, Uses & Applications

Potassium bromide is a colorless crystalline salt that's very soluble in water. It is used for the preparation of silver bromide for photographic work and also in medicine.

Preparation

• Potassium bromide (KBr) is obtained from the mother liquor of magnesium chloride, left after the manufacture of potassium chloride from carnallite.

Physical Properties

• Potassium bromide has a sweet flavor in admixtures with water. At higher concentrations, it is a strong alkaline irritant to the eyes and mucous membrane.

Chemical Properties

• Potassium bromide decomposes into bromide ions in aqueous solutions. This ability makes it a suitable reagent for preparing silver bromide for photographic film.

Anticonvulsants

• Potassium bromide has been successfully used as an anticonvulsant drug in humans for over 200 years, though newer drugs are outpacing potassium bromide's use for this purpose.

Side Effects

• Inhalation of potassium bromide can adversely affect human health. Common side effects include lethargy, sedation and loss of coordination.