Industry grade 99% Cupric bromide CAS 7789-45-9

Product Overview

Cupric bromide (copper(II) bromide; CuBr₂, CAS 7789-45-9) is an inorganic copper(II) halide supplied as an almost black, odorless crystalline powder — the highest-value bromide reagent of the copper halide family. It is the standard brominating agent of organic synthesis, a classic intensifier in photographic processing, and a well-established humidity indicator and wood preservative. Its unusual combination of properties explains this breadth of use: it is very soluble in water and in ethanol and acetone, yet it melts at 498 °C and boils at 900 °C, and its deliquescent, moisture-sensitive behavior makes it an effective sensing material. Beyond chemistry and imaging, cupric bromide serves as a battery electrolyte component, a stabilizer for acetylated polyformaldehyde, a constituent of steel-machining cutting solutions, and a processing aid in oil sulfur extraction.

Core value propositions:

● Brominating Agent (Core Application): the classic copper bromide reagent for organic synthesis;

● Very Water-Soluble & Hygroscopic: dissolves readily in water, ethanol and acetone; deliquescent moisture response;

● High Thermal Stability: melts at 498 °C and boils at 900 °C for demanding processes;

● Multi-Sector Portfolio: photography, humidity indication, wood preservation, batteries, machining and oil processing.

Product Information (Quick Facts)

Chemistry & Structure

Cupric bromide, CuBr₂ (MW 223.35), is the copper(II) salt of hydrobromic acid: each copper(II) ion is balanced by two bromide ions, and in the solid state the compound crystallizes in a monoclinic lattice — the dark, iodine-like color is characteristic of the copper(II) bromide chromophore. It is prepared from copper and bromine by direct combination, or from copper(II) oxide/hydroxide and hydrobromic acid. The anhydrous material is an almost black, odorless, deliquescent powder: it absorbs moisture from the air and, below 29 °C, forms the green tetrahydrate CuBr₂·4H₂O. It is very soluble in water, soluble in ethanol and acetone, melts at 498 °C and boils at 900 °C. Its aqueous solutions are acidic , and like other acidic inorganic salts it can catalyze organic reactions. On strong heating it decomposes with evolution of toxic hydrogen bromide fumes. It is a REACH-registered substance with no indication of carcinogenicity in humans (not listed by IARC).

Key Features & Benefits

● Effective brominating agent: the established copper bromide reagent of organic synthesis.

● Very soluble in water, ethanol and acetone: flexible solution-phase handling.

● High thermal stability: 498 °C melting / 900 °C boiling points suit demanding processes.

● Deliquescent moisture response: below 29 °C forms green tetrahydrate — the basis of humidity-indicator use.

● Broad industrial portfolio: photography, wood preservation, batteries, machining and oil processing.

● Consistent quality: controlled assay (Cu and Br content) with COA.

Main Applications

1 Organic Synthesis — Brominating Agent (Core Application)

Cupric bromide is the classic brominating agent of organic synthesis:

● Bromination of organic substrates: selective bromine introduction in laboratory and industrial chemistry.

● Catalytic behavior in organic reactions: acidic-salt catalysis in synthetic transformations.

● Specialty reagent: synthesis of brominated intermediates and fine chemicals.

2 Photography & Imaging

● Intensifier in photographic processing: traditional image-intensification chemistry.

● Photothermographic copying processes: imaging applications.

3 Humidity Indication & Moisture Sensing

● Humidity indicator: color response tied to its hydration behavior (green tetrahydrate below 29 °C).

● Moisture-sensing applications in packaging and storage monitoring.

4 Wood Preservation & Materials Protection

● Wood preservative: protection of timber products.

● Stabilizer for acetylated polyformaldehyde: polymer stabilization.

5 Industrial & Energy Applications

● Electrolyte in batteries: solid electrolyte battery component.

● Cutting solutions for machining steel: metalworking fluid constituent.

● Removing lead from gasoline and sulfur extraction of oil: process chemistry applications.

Packaging, Storage

Packaging (customizable):

● 25 kg fiber drums with PE liner,  small packs on request;

● Deliquescent powder — moisture-proof, well-sealed packaging is essential.

Storage:

● Keep well closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; protect from moisture;

● Keep away from strong reducing agents and incompatible materials;

● Avoid strong heating (toxic hydrogen bromide fumes are evolved on decomposition).

Why Choose Jinan Future Chemical Co., Ltd.?

● Factory-direct supply: own production and sourcing capability, transparent pricing, no middleman markup.

● Stable quality: strict internal control, every batch tested (assay, Cu/Br content, appearance), COA with every shipment.

● Fast response: quotations and technical support (COA, SDS, application advice); small trial orders accepted.

FAQ

Q1: What is cupric bromide used for?

Cupric bromide (copper(II) bromide, CuBr₂) is used as a brominating agent in organic synthesis, an intensifier in photographic processing, a humidity indicator, a wood preservative, an electrolyte in batteries, a stabilizer for acetylated polyformaldehyde, and a component of cutting solutions for machining steel. It is also applied in removing lead from gasoline and in sulfur extraction of oil.

Q2: How should cupric bromide be stored and handled?

Cupric bromide is deliquescent, so it must be kept well closed in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture. It is very soluble in water (≈ 55.7 g/100 g solution) and soluble in ethanol and acetone; below 29 °C the green tetrahydrate forms. Avoid strong heating and contact with strong reducing agents. Follow the SDS for full handling, first-aid and disposal guidance.

Q3: What is the difference between cupric bromide (CuBr₂) and cuprous bromide (CuBr)?

Cupric bromide (CAS 7789-45-9) is the copper(II) salt: an almost black, deliquescent crystalline powder that is very soluble in water and soluble in ethanol and acetone, used mainly as a brominating agent, photographic intensifier and humidity indicator. Cuprous bromide (CAS 7787-70-4) is the copper(I) salt: a white powder that is only slightly soluble in cold water, is decomposed by hot water, oxidizes slowly in air and turns green to dark blue in sunlight, and is used mainly as a polymerization and organic-reaction catalyst. The two are different products with different CAS numbers — always specify the oxidation state (cupric vs cuprous) when ordering.