CaBr₂ Chemical Properties

What is CaBr₂?

CaBr₂ (calcium bromide) is an inorganic ionic compound consisting of one calcium cation (Ca²⁺) and two bromide anions (Br⁻). This white crystalline salt is highly soluble in water and forms clear, dense solutions.

The compound exists in several hydrated forms, with the anhydrous form CaBr₂ and the dihydrate CaBr₂·2H₂O being the most common commercial forms.

Quick Facts:

IUPAC Name:
Calcium dibromide

Common Names:
Calcium bromide, CaBr₂

CAS Number:
7789-41-5

EC Number:
232-164-6

Molecular structure representation of CaBr₂

Molecular representation of calcium bromide structure

Molecular Properties

Chemical Formula: CaBr₂

Molecular Weight: 199.89 g/mol

Ionic Composition: Ca²⁺ + 2Br⁻

Elemental Composition: Ca: 20.0%, Br: 80.0%

Crystal System: Orthorhombic

Space Group: Pnnm

Physical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline solid

Density (solid): 3.353 g/cm³ at 25°C

Melting Point: 730°C (1,346°F)

Boiling Point: 1,935°C (3,515°F)

Hygroscopicity: Highly hygroscopic

Odor: Odorless

CaBr₂ Solubility Properties

Water Solubility

CaBr₂ exhibits exceptional water solubility, making it ideal for preparing high-density brine solutions.

At 0°C:

125 g/100 mL water

At 20°C:

143 g/100 mL water

At 100°C:

312 g/100 mL water

Note: The high solubility allows for preparation of dense brines up to 14.2 ppg (1.70 g/cm³) with 52% CaBr₂ solutions.

Other Solvents

Methanol: Soluble

Ethanol: Slightly soluble

Acetone: Insoluble

Diethyl ether: Insoluble

Solution Properties

Forms clear, colorless solutions
Solutions are electrically conductive
pH of aqueous solutions: 6.0-8.0
Exhibits negative temperature coefficient

Thermodynamic Properties of CaBr₂

Enthalpy Data

ΔHf° (formation): -682.8 kJ/mol

ΔHfus (fusion): 29.1 kJ/mol

ΔHsol (solution): -103.1 kJ/mol

Entropy & Free Energy

S° (entropy): 130 J/(mol·K)

ΔGf° (free energy): -663.6 kJ/mol

Heat Capacity

Cp (solid): 71.1 J/(mol·K)

Cp (liquid): ~85 J/(mol·K)

CaBr₂ Chemical Reactions

Formation Reactions

From Calcium Carbonate and HBr:

CaCO₃ + 2HBr → CaBr₂ + H₂O + CO₂

From Calcium Hydroxide and HBr:

Ca(OH)₂ + 2HBr → CaBr₂ + 2H₂O

From Calcium and Bromine:

Ca + Br₂ → CaBr₂

Decomposition & Other Reactions

Thermal Decomposition:

CaBr₂ → Ca + Br₂ (at very high temperatures)

With Silver Nitrate (precipitation):

CaBr₂ + 2AgNO₃ → Ca(NO₃)₂ + 2AgBr↓

Hydrate Formation:

CaBr₂ + 2H₂O → CaBr₂·2H₂O

Industrial Applications of CaBr₂

Oil & Gas Industry

Primary use in formulating high-density, solids-free drilling and completion fluids.

Drilling fluid density control
Completion fluid formulation
Workover operations
Packer fluid applications

Flame Retardants

Used as a component in bromine-based flame retardant systems.

Textile flame retardation
Polymer additive
Fire safety applications

Mercury Control

Environmental application in mercury emission control systems.

Coal-fired power plants
Flue gas treatment
Environmental compliance

Chemical Synthesis

Intermediate in various chemical manufacturing processes.

Bromide salt production
Pharmaceutical intermediates
Specialty chemical synthesis

Heat Transfer

High-density solutions for specialized heat transfer applications.

Industrial cooling systems
Heat exchange fluids
Temperature control applications

Laboratory Use

Research and analytical chemistry applications.

Analytical reagent
Research applications
Educational demonstrations

CaBr₂ Safety & Handling

Always consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for comprehensive safety information before handling CaBr₂.

Hazard Classification

Skin irritant (Category 2)
Eye irritant (Category 2A)
May cause respiratory irritation
Harmful if swallowed

Personal Protection

Safety goggles or face shield
Chemical-resistant gloves
Protective clothing
Respiratory protection if needed

Storage Requirements

Store in dry, cool conditions
Protect from moisture
Use sealed containers
Separate from incompatibles

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