Industry grade Potassium bromide CAS 7758-02-3 BrK

Product Overview

Potassium bromide (KBr) is a white, highly soluble ionic crystal and the standard optical material of infrared spectroscopy. It is transparent from the near-UV (250 nm) to long-wave infrared (26 µm), which makes it the universal carrier of FTIR solid-sample pellets and the material of infrared windows, lenses and beamsplitters.

Beyond optics, KBr is a classic chemistry with deep roots: it built the photographic emulsion industry. and today works as a semiconductor etchant, analytical reagent, water-treatment and aquaculture auxiliary, and specialty additive. One salt, spanning the spectrometer, the darkroom and the chip fab.

Core value propositions:

Infrared Optics & Spectroscopy:

● the standard FTIR pellet carrier and infrared window/lens material (250 nm – 26 µm);

Sensitive Materials & Photography:

● a classic component of photographic emulsions, developers and sensitized materials;

Semiconductor, Analysis & Specialty:

● a semiconductor etchant, analytical reagent and specialty process chemical.

Product Information (Quick Facts)

Chemistry & Properties

KBr is a face-centered-cubic ionic crystal of potassium and bromide ions. Because its lattice vibrations lie in the far infrared, it is essentially transparent across the mid-IR fingerprint region  — which is exactly why solid samples are ground with KBr and pressed into pellets: the sample's spectrum is measured through a window that adds no interference of its own.

KBr is hygroscopic and water-soluble, so optical-grade material must be dried and stored in dry conditions, and pellets are pressed under an IR lamp to exclude moisture.

Key Features & Benefits

● Broad IR transparency: transparent from 250 nm to 26 µm — the universal mid-IR window material.

● FTIR pellet standard: the classic carrier for solid-sample spectra with no interfering absorption.

● Excellent mechanical properties: can be cleaved, polished and machined into windows, lenses and wedges.

● High solubility and purity: freely soluble, easy to purify

● Historical and modern utility: photography,semiconductors and analysis from one salt.

● Stable and easy to handle: crystalline, non-toxic in normal use, with long shelf life.

● Multi-industry reach: spectroscopy, optics, photography,  electronics and water treatment.

Main Applications

1 Infrared Optics & Spectroscopy (Core Application)

KBr is the backbone material of infrared analysis:

● FTIR sample pellets: ground with solid samples and pressed into transparent pellets for spectra measurement;

● IR windows and lenses: optical components for instruments covering 250 nm – 26 µm;

● FTIR beamsplitters: substrate material in interferometer optics;

● Sample cells and ATR: window material for liquid and gas IR measurement.

2 Sensitive Materials & Photography

● Photographic emulsions: bromide component of silver-halide photographic materials;

● Developers and sensitizers: component of photographic processing chemistry;

● Specialty sensitized materials: historical and niche imaging applications.

3 Semiconductor, Analysis & Specialty Applications

● Semiconductor etching: etchant component in microelectronic processing;

● Analytical reagent: standard in bromide titration and gravimetric analysis;

● Water treatment and aquaculture: bromide source for disinfection systems;

● Specialty chemicals: additive in inks, soaps and flame-retardant formulations.

Packaging, Storage

Packaging (customizable):

● 25 kg multi-wall paper bag with PE liner, 25 kg fiber drum, or 500 kg – 1,000 kg FIBC;

Storage:

● Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat;

● Keep containers tightly closed — KBr is hygroscopic (especially IR grade);

● Store away from strong oxidizers and acids;

● Recommended storage temperature 5 °C – 35 °C.

Why Choose Jinan Future Chemical Co., Ltd.?

● Factory-direct supply: own production capacity, transparent pricing, no middleman markup;

● Stable quality: strict internal control, every batch tested, COA with every shipment;small trial orders accepted.

● Export experience: familiar with sea/air shipping documentation for chemical commodities, complete paperwork support;

FAQ

Q1: What is potassium bromide used for?

KBr is used mainly in infrared spectroscopy and optics — as the carrier of FTIR solid-sample pellets and as the material of IR windows, lenses and beamsplitters. It is also used in photographic emulsions, and today as a semiconductor etchant, analytical reagent and water-treatment auxiliary.

Q2: Why is KBr used in FTIR spectroscopy?

KBr is essentially transparent in the mid-infrared fingerprint region : its ionic lattice vibrations lie in the far IR, so it adds no absorption of its own. A solid sample ground with KBr and pressed into a pellet is therefore measured through a clean window, giving accurate spectra.

Q3: Is potassium bromide safe to handle?

KBr has low acute toxicity and is approved for pharmaceutical and veterinary use, but bromide salts can cause sedation and chronic bromism with prolonged high intake, and the powder can irritate eyes and airways. Use gloves, goggles and dust protection, avoid ingestion, and keep it dry.