Potassium bromide (KBr) is a versatile compound widely used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, photography, and chemical synthesis. Understanding its solubility is crucial for optimizing its applications and ensuring efficient use. Whether you’re a researcher, student, or professional, this guide provides essential insights into the solubility of potassium bromide, key factors affecting it, and practical tips for handling it effectively.
What is the Solubility of Potassium Bromide?
Potassium bromide is highly soluble in water, with a solubility of approximately 547 g/L at 25°C. This high solubility makes it an ideal candidate for aqueous solutions in laboratory and industrial settings. However, its solubility varies with temperature and the type of solvent used.
| Solvent | Solubility (g/100 mL at 25°C) |
|---|---|
| Water | 54.7 |
| Ethanol | 0.2 |
| Acetone | 0.04 |
Factors Affecting Potassium Bromide Solubility
Several factors influence the solubility of KBr, including temperature, solvent type, and the presence of other substances.
Temperature
As temperature increases, the solubility of potassium bromide in water also increases. For example, at 100°C, its solubility rises to 90 g/100 mL. This property is essential for applications requiring concentrated solutions.
Solvent Type
While KBr is highly soluble in water, it exhibits poor solubility in organic solvents like ethanol and acetone. This characteristic is vital when selecting solvents for specific processes.
💡 Note: Always consider the solvent’s polarity when working with KBr, as it is highly soluble in polar solvents.
Practical Tips for Handling Potassium Bromide
To maximize the efficiency of KBr in your applications, follow these tips:
- Use Distilled Water: For aqueous solutions, distilled water ensures purity and prevents contamination.
- Control Temperature: When preparing saturated solutions, monitor temperature to achieve desired solubility levels.
- Store Properly: Keep KBr in a cool, dry place to avoid hygroscopic absorption of moisture.
Applications of Potassium Bromide
KBr’s solubility makes it valuable in:
- Pharmaceuticals: As a sedative and anticonvulsant.
- Photography: In film development processes.
- Spectroscopy: As a transparent material for infrared (IR) spectroscopy.
Key Takeaways
- Potassium bromide is highly soluble in water but poorly soluble in organic solvents.
- Its solubility increases with temperature, making it versatile for various applications.
- Proper handling and storage are essential to maintain its effectiveness.
What is the solubility of potassium bromide in water at 25°C?
+The solubility of potassium bromide in water at 25°C is approximately 54.7 g/100 mL.
Does temperature affect the solubility of KBr?
+Yes, the solubility of KBr increases with temperature, reaching up to 90 g/100 mL at 100°C.
Can potassium bromide dissolve in organic solvents?
+KBr has poor solubility in organic solvents like ethanol and acetone but is highly soluble in polar solvents like water.
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