Synthesis
Copper(II) bromide can be obtained by combining copper oxide and hydrobromic acid: :CuO + 2HBr → CuBr2 + H2O. The tetrahydrate can be produced by recrystallization of solutions of copper(II) bromide at 0 °C. If heated above 18 °C, it releases water to produce the anhydrous form.Purification
Copper(II) bromide is purified by crystallization twice from water, filtration to remove any CuBr and concentration under vacuum. This product is dehydrated using phosphorus pentoxide.Molecular and crystal structure
Reactions
Copper(II) bromide in chloroform-ethyl acetate reacts with ketones resulting in the formation of alpha-bromo ketones. The resulting product can be directly used for the preparation of derivatives. This heterogeneous method is reported to be the most selective and direct method of formation of α-bromo ketones. Dibromination of NPGs, n-pentenyl glycosides, using CuBr2/LiBr reagent combination was performed in order for an NPG to serve as a glycosyl acceptor during halonium-promoted couplings. Such reaction gives high yield of the dibromides from alkenyl sugars that are resistant to a direct reaction with molecular bromine.Usage
Copper(II) bromide lasers produce pulsed yellow and green light and have been studied as a possible treatment for cutaneous lesions. Experiments have also shown copper bromide treatment to be beneficial for skin rejuvenation. It has been widely used in photography as its solution was used as the bleaching step for intensifying collodion and gelatin negatives. Copper(II) bromide has also been proposed as a possible material in humidity indicator cards.Safety
Copper(II) bromide is harmful if swallowed. It affects the central nervous system, brain, eyes, liver, and kidneys. It causes irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.Natural occurrence
, pure copper(II) bromide is unknown among minerals. However, barlowite, Cu4BrF(OH)6, contains both copper and bromide.See also
Copper(I) bromideReferences