What is Silver Bromide?
Silver bromide is a highly sensitive compound that is used with plenty of photographic applications. The chemical formula for the compound is AgBr and its molecular weight is 187.77 g/mol. It is formed by mixing silver and bromide atom together. It has a polar covalent bond and strong ionic character too. It has a cubic structure similar to NaCl.
Silver Bromide Chemical Formula
It is found naturally in minerals in considerable amounts. However, it can be produced in large quantities through a chemical reaction. It can be prepared industrially by reacting aqueous solutions silver nitrate and potassium bromide together. The product will precipitate out at the end of reaction but potassium nitrate will still remain in the solution.
AgNO3 + KBr → AgBr + KNO3
Silver Bromide Properties
Looking at the physical properties of a compound, silver bromide is pale yellow odorless solid with a density of 6.473 g/mL and its melting point is calculated 432 °C and its boiling point is taken as 1,502 °C. It is not soluble in water and characterized by its photosensitive property.
When it is exposed to light, it will turn grey or black. So, it needs to be stored in dark only. This is a stable compound under normal conditions but it will start decomposing under high temperature and pressure. It is light sensitive, so it can be used in photographic films and plates.
It can also be used for infrared applications, light-sensitive eyeglasses, or semiconductors etc. this is quite hazardous to health and causes severe irritation to skin or eyes on continuous exposure.