Hydrogen bromide is a colourless, corrosive, non-flammable gas at room temperature with an acrid odour not usually detectable by smell at above 2 ppm.
Hazardous properties
Hydrogen bromide readily dissolves in the water of the mucous membrane and conjunctiva to form hydrobromic acid. As such, it is highly irritating to the eyes and upper respiratory tract if inhaled.
Occurrence/Uses
Hydrogen bromide is used in the synthesis of organic chemicals, for dissolving certain ores (metal extraction), in the manufacture of bromides, and as an alkylation (synthesis of high molecular weight hydrocarbons from lower molecular weight hydrocarbons) catalyst.
