Copper(I) bromide facts for kids

This picture shows copper(I) bromide that has turned green from being in the air. When it's pure, it's actually colorless!

Copper(I) bromide, also known as cuprous bromide, is a special kind of chemical compound. Its chemical formula is CuBr. This means it is made up of one copper atom and one bromine atom. In this compound, the copper atom has a specific electrical charge, which chemists call a +1 oxidation state.

What is Copper(I) Bromide Like?

Copper(I) bromide is normally a colorless solid. Imagine a clear, solid crystal! However, if it touches the air, it can start to turn green. This happens because it reacts with things in the air. It also does not dissolve in water, which means it won't disappear if you put it in a glass of water.

How is Copper(I) Bromide Made?

Scientists can make copper(I) bromide by mixing certain chemicals together. One way is to react copper(II) bromide with a type of chemical called a sulfite and another chemical called a bromide salt. When these chemicals react, they create copper(I) bromide. This reaction also produces a gas called hydrogen bromide.

What is Copper(I) Bromide Used For?

Copper(I) bromide is very useful in a field of science called organic chemistry. This is the study of compounds that contain carbon. Scientists use copper(I) bromide to help make new organic compounds that contain copper. These special compounds can then be used for many different things.

Other Copper Compounds

• Copper(I) iodide
• Copper(I) chloride