Product Introduction

Potassium Bromide (KBr, CAS No. 7758-02-3) is a high-purity inorganic salt widely used in analytical chemistry, spectroscopy, pharmaceutical research, and biochemical applications.

Due to its excellent optical transparency in the infrared region, Potassium Bromide is one of the most commonly used materials for preparing KBr pellets in Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Its ability to form transparent discs with powdered samples enables accurate structural characterization of organic and inorganic compounds.

In addition, Potassium Bromide serves as a bromide ion source in chemical synthesis, analytical methods, and laboratory research.

Structural Characteristics

Potassium Ion (K⁺)

Provides:

• Ionic stability
• High solubility
• Compatibility with aqueous systems

Bromide Ion (Br⁻)

Provides:

• Halide source for chemical reactions
• Coordination ability with metal ions
• Analytical utility

Ionic Crystal Structure

The KBr crystal lattice contributes:

• High chemical stability
• Optical transparency
• Easy preparation of spectroscopic samples

Key Research Applications

1. FTIR Spectroscopy Sample Preparation

Potassium Bromide is one of the most important applications in infrared spectroscopy.

Applications include:

• KBr pellet preparation
• Organic compound identification
• Functional group analysis
• Material characterization
• Polymer structure analysis

Because KBr does not strongly absorb infrared radiation in the mid-IR region, it provides an ideal matrix for sample measurement.

2. Analytical Chemistry

Potassium Bromide is widely used as an analytical reagent.

Applications include:

• Spectroscopic reference material
• Chemical analysis
• Sample preparation
• Quality control testing

3. Pharmaceutical Research

Used in pharmaceutical analytical workflows.

Applications include:

• Drug structure identification
• Raw material analysis
• IR characterization of APIs
• Pharmaceutical quality control

4. Chemical Synthesis

Potassium Bromide serves as a bromide ion source.

Applications include:

• Bromination reactions
• Halide exchange reactions
• Preparation of inorganic bromides
• Organic synthesis studies

5. Biochemical and Biological Research

Historically, potassium bromide has been studied in biological systems.

Applications include:

• Bromide ion research
• Ion transport studies
• Analytical biochemistry

6. Optical and Material Research

KBr crystals are valuable optical materials.

Applications include:

• Infrared optical components
• Spectroscopic windows
• Optical material studies

Advantages

• Excellent infrared transparency
• High chemical purity
• Stable inorganic structure
• Water soluble
• Widely accepted FTIR sample matrix
• Versatile bromide source

Storage & Handling

• Store in a cool place.
• Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
• Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.

Research Areas

• Analytical chemistry
• FTIR spectroscopy
• Pharmaceutical analysis
• Materials characterization
• Organic synthesis
• Optical materials

Q1: What is Potassium Bromide (KBr)?

A: Potassium Bromide (CAS No. 7758-02-3) is an inorganic bromide salt widely used as an FTIR spectroscopy matrix and laboratory reagent.

Q2: What is Potassium Bromide used for?

A: It is mainly used in:

• FTIR pellet preparation
• Infrared spectroscopy
• Chemical analysis
• Pharmaceutical characterization
• Organic synthesis

Q3: Why is KBr used in FTIR spectroscopy?

A: KBr is transparent to infrared radiation in the mid-IR range, allowing sample molecules to absorb IR light without significant interference from the matrix.

Q4: How are KBr pellets prepared?

A: A small amount of sample is mixed with dry KBr powder and compressed under high pressure to form a transparent pellet for FTIR measurement.

Q5: Is Potassium Bromide hygroscopic?

A: Yes. KBr can absorb moisture from air, which may affect FTIR measurements. Dry storage is recommended.

Q6: What is the difference between Potassium Bromide and Potassium Chloride?

Q7: Can Potassium Bromide be used in organic synthesis?

A: Yes. It can provide bromide ions for halogen exchange and bromination-related reactions.

Q8: How should Potassium Bromide be stored?

A: Store it in a tightly sealed container under dry conditions and protect it from moisture.