Copper(II) bromide

Synonyms

Copper bromide; Copper dibromide; Cupric bromide; [ChemIDplus] Cupric bromide, anhydrous; [CAMEO] UN3260

Category

Metals, Inorganic Compounds

Description

Almost black, deliquescent solid; Very soluble in water; [HSDB] Below 29 deg C, the green tetrahydrate forms; [Ullmann] Black, odorless, hygroscopic crystalline powder; [Alfa Aesar MSDS]

Sources/Uses

Used as an intensifier in photography, brominating agent in organic synthesis, humidity indicator, wood preservative, electrolyte in batteries, stabilizer for acetylated polyformaldehyde, in metal machining, removing lead from gasoline, copying processes, and sulfur extraction of oil; [HSDB]

Comments

A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; May cause serious eye injury; [CAMEO] Acute copper poisoning after ingestion can cause liver injury, methemoglobinemia, and hemolytic anemia. Acute renal failure may result, secondary to massive hemoglobinuria. [Goldfrank, p. 1259] Causes burns; Inhalation may cause corrosive injuries to upper respiratory tract and lungs; Harmful by ingestion; [Alfa Aesar MSDS] See "Bromine." See "Copper."

Biomedical References

1 mg/m3, as Cu

1 mg/m3, as Cu

0.01 mg/m3, respirable fraction (Cu, inorganic cmpnds)

100 mg/m3, as Cu

Explanatory Notes

The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Corrosive solid, acidic, inorganic, n.o.s."

Hemolytic anemia

MetHgb is secondary toxic effect

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Yes

Skin burns

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Applying Wood Preservatives
• Battery Manufacturing
• Metal Machining
• Petroleum Production and Refining
• Photographic Processing