Perbromate facts for kids
Perbromate is a special kind of ion, which is a tiny particle with an electric charge. Its chemical formula is BrO4-. This means it has one bromine atom and four oxygen atoms, and it carries a negative charge.
In perbromate, the bromine atom is in a very high oxidation state of +7. This makes perbromate a very strong oxidizing agent. An oxidizing agent is a chemical that can take electrons from other chemicals, causing them to change.
Perbromate is not very stable, meaning it doesn't stay in its original form for long. It easily breaks down into other chemicals, like bromate and oxygen gas.
How Perbromate Is Made
Scientists first discovered perbromate in a very unusual way. It was made from the decay of a radioactive substance called selenate.
Later, scientists found other ways to create perbromate:
- Using electricity: One method involves a process called electrolysis. This is where an electric current is passed through a solution of bromate, which helps to form perbromate.
- Adding strong chemicals: Perbromate can also be made by mixing bromate with very strong oxidizing chemicals like fluorine or xenon difluoride. These chemicals are powerful enough to change bromate into perbromate.
What Makes Perbromate Special?
Perbromate is unique because it was very difficult for scientists to make for a long time. Bromine is in the same chemical group as chlorine and iodine. While perchlorate (from chlorine) and periodate (from iodine) were known, perbromate was much harder to create. Its discovery showed that bromine could also exist in this high +7 oxidation state.
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In Spanish: Perbromato para niños
