ALUMINIUM BROMIDE Meaning and
Definition
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Aluminium bromide is a chemical compound with the formula AlBr3. It is an inorganic salt composed of one aluminium cation (Al3+) and three bromide anions (Br-). Aluminium bromide is a pale yellow solid that is highly reactive and hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the atmosphere.
In terms of its physical properties, aluminium bromide has a high melting point of approximately 97 °C (207 °F) and can be converted into a colorless liquid form when heated. It is soluble in polar solvents like water and can undergo hydrolysis, reacting with water to produce hydrobromic acid.
Aluminium bromide finds various applications in chemistry and industry. It is widely employed as a catalyst in organic synthesis, particularly in acylation and alkylation reactions. Specifically, it can facilitate reactions involving carbon-carbon bond formation, and as such, it is used in the production of dyes, pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and other complex organic compounds. Additionally, aluminium bromide is utilized as a reagent in the production of aluminum metal through the Hall–Héroult process, where it helps to remove impurities from the ore.
Due to its reactivity, aluminium bromide should be handled with caution. It can cause severe skin and eye irritation, and inhalation of its dust or vapors may lead to respiratory distress. Consequently, appropriate safety measures, including protective equipment like gloves, goggles, and masks, should be used when working with aluminium bromide.
Etymology of ALUMINIUM BROMIDE
The word "aluminium bromide" is a compound noun made up of two elements: "aluminium" and "bromide".
The term "aluminium" originates from the Latin word "alumen", which means "bitter salt" or "alum". The English chemist Sir Humphry Davy named the metal in 1807, and he derived the name from the mineral called "alumina" (aluminum oxide). The suffix "-ium" is commonly used in chemistry to name metallic elements.
The word "bromide" comes from the Greek word "brômos", meaning "stench" or "bad odor". It was named after the unpleasant smell often associated with bromine. The suffix "-ide" is used in chemistry to denote an ion or compound formed when an element gains electrons.
