Copper(II) bromide facts for kids
Copper(II) bromide, also known as cupric bromide, is a special chemical compound. Think of it as a tiny building block made from two different parts: copper and bromide. Its chemical formula is CuBr2. This formula tells us that for every one copper part, there are two bromide parts. In this compound, the copper is in a specific form called its +2 oxidation state, which means it has lost two electrons.
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What Does Copper(II) Bromide Look Like?
Copper(II) bromide is a solid that looks grayish-black. This is a bit unusual! Most other compounds made with copper in its +2 form are usually bright blue or green. For example, copper(II) oxide is one of the few other copper compounds that isn't blue or green. Copper(II) bromide can also be changed into another compound called copper(I) bromide. This happens through a process called reduction, where it gains electrons.
How is Copper(II) Bromide Made?
Scientists can make copper(II) bromide in a couple of ways. One way is to mix copper(II) oxide with a strong liquid called hydrobromic acid. Another way is to combine pure copper metal directly with bromine, which is a reddish-brown liquid.
What is Copper(II) Bromide Used For?
Copper(II) bromide has some interesting uses! It's used in special lasers. Lasers are devices that produce a very focused beam of light, used in everything from barcode scanners to cutting tools. It's also used by chemists in a field called organic chemistry. Here, it helps to add bromide parts to other chemical compounds, which is important for making new substances.
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