Difference Between Bromine, Bromide, and Bromate
Bromine is Br2, bromide is Br−, and bromate is BrO3−; these forms differ in composition, charge, and chemical nature.
1. Bromine (Br2)
Bromine exists as a diatomic molecule, Br2, in its elemental form. It consists of two bromine atoms bonded together and carries no charge.
This form is atomic and neutral. It is commonly encountered as a reddish-brown liquid or vapor at room temperature. Bromine’s elemental state is essential in various chemical syntheses and industrial processes.
2. Bromide (Br−)
Bromide is the monoatomic anion of bromine, carrying a single negative charge. It forms when bromine gains one electron, represented chemically as Br−.
The suffix “-ide” indicates it is a simple, negatively charged ion (anion). This is similar to other halide ions such as fluoride (F−) and chloride (Cl−). Bromide ions are found in salts like sodium bromide (NaBr) and play roles in biology and chemistry.
3. Bromate (BrO3−)
Bromate is a polyatomic anion containing one bromine atom bonded to three oxygen atoms, with a single negative charge, written as BrO3−.
The “-ate” suffix signifies a complex anion made of the element plus oxygen atoms, similar to nitrate (NO3−) and sulfate (SO42−). Bromate often appears in chemical contexts such as water disinfection by-products and some industrial applications.
Summary Table
| Species | Chemical Formula | Charge | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bromine | Br2 | 0 | Elemental diatomic molecule, neutral and uncharged |
| Bromide | Br− | -1 | Monoatomic anion, bromine with one extra electron |
| Bromate | BrO3− | -1 | Polyatomic anion with bromine bonded to oxygen atoms |
Key Takeaways
- Bromine (Br2) is the neutral elemental form and exists as molecules of two bromine atoms.
- Bromide (Br−) is a negatively charged monoatomic ion formed by bromine gaining an electron.
- Bromate (BrO3−) is a polyatomic anion composed of bromine and oxygen atoms, with a negative charge.
- The suffix “-ide” indicates a simple anion, while “-ate” signals a complex oxygen-containing anion.
What is bromine?
Bromine is a chemical element. It exists as Br2, a molecule made of two bromine atoms bonded together. It is neutral and not charged.
How does bromide differ from bromine?
Bromide is the bromine atom with a negative charge (Br^-). It is an ion, unlike bromine which is neutral. The “-ide” ending means it is a monoatomic anion.
What is bromate and how is it different from bromide?
Bromate is a polyatomic ion with bromine and oxygen (BrO3^-). It carries a negative charge and is more complex than bromide, which is just a single bromine ion.
Why does bromide end with “-ide” and bromate end with “-ate”?
The suffix “-ide” indicates a single atom with a charge, such as bromide (Br^-). The suffix “-ate” shows a polyatomic ion containing oxygen, like bromate (BrO3^-).
Are bromine, bromide, and bromate used differently?
Yes. Bromine is elemental and reactive. Bromide ions often occur in salts. Bromate ions appear in compounds mainly related to oxidation and some water treatments.
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