hydrogen bromide
Rare/Very Low FrequencyTechnical/Scientific
Definition
Meaning
A chemical compound with the formula HBr, formed from hydrogen and bromine; a colorless, corrosive, toxic gas or a solution of that gas in water (hydrobromic acid).
Primarily used in industrial chemistry and laboratory settings for alkylation, oxidation, and the synthesis of bromine compounds and pharmaceuticals. It can also refer to hydrobromic acid, its aqueous solution.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a compound term, it is used as a mass noun. In common usage, the term refers more often to its gaseous or pure liquid state, while 'hydrobromic acid' is used for its aqueous solution.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in lexical choice or meaning. Standard chemical nomenclature is identical.
Connotations
None beyond its technical/scientific meaning.
Frequency
Used with identical, very low frequency in both technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] reacts with hydrogen bromide to form [Product].Hydrogen bromide is added to [Alkene].[Process] generates hydrogen bromide as a by-product.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Only relevant in chemical manufacturing, procurement, or safety reports.
Academic
Common in chemistry textbooks, research papers, and laboratory manuals discussing bromination or acid reactions.
Everyday
Virtually never used; unknown to most non-specialists.
Technical
Core term in inorganic and organic chemistry, chemical engineering, and industrial safety documentation.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The alkene was hydrogen-brominated to yield the desired product.
- The process hydrogen brominates the substrate efficiently.
American English
- We need to hydrogen-brominate this compound as the next step.
- The reaction hydrogen brominates via a free radical mechanism.
adjective
British English
- The hydrogen-bromide solution was handled under a fume cupboard.
- They followed a standard hydrogen-bromide addition procedure.
American English
- The hydrogen-bromide gas requires special containment.
- A hydrogen-bromide catalyst was employed.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Hydrogen bromide is a dangerous chemical.
- Scientists use hydrogen bromide in labs.
- The factory produces hydrogen bromide for industrial use.
- When hydrogen bromide dissolves in water, it forms a strong acid.
- The regioselectivity of the alkene addition reaction is governed by Markovnikov's rule when using hydrogen bromide.
- Anhydrous hydrogen bromide must be stored in sealed, pressure-resistant cylinders to prevent leakage.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'hydrogen' (H) + 'bromide' (Br) = HBr. It's the bromine cousin of hydrochloric acid (HCl).
Conceptual Metaphor
Often conceptualized as a 'reagent' or a 'tool' for chemical transformation, particularly for adding bromine atoms.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as 'водородный бромид' in running academic text; the standard term is 'бромоводород' (bromovodorod) for the compound and 'бромоводородная кислота' for the acid.
- Avoid confusing with 'bromide' (бромид), which is the salt/anion (Br-).
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'hydrogen bromine' (confusing element with compound).
- Using 'hydrogen bromide' to refer to the salt sodium bromide.
- Incorrect pluralisation (it is a mass noun).
Practice
Quiz
What is the common name for an aqueous solution of hydrogen bromide?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Hydrogen bromide' strictly refers to the HBr molecule, typically as a gas or liquid. 'Hydrobromic acid' is the name for a solution of HBr in water.
It is highly corrosive, toxic, and forms a strong acid upon contact with moisture, causing severe burns to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.
It is primarily used as a reagent in organic synthesis to make bromine-containing compounds, as a catalyst, and in the production of inorganic bromides.
Pure hydrogen bromide is a colourless, pungent-smelling gas at room temperature and pressure. It can be liquefied under pressure.