bromide

bromide any of a group of compounds that contain bromine and a more electropositive element or radical. Bromides are formed by the reaction of bromine or a bromide with another substance; they are widely distributed in nature. Most metal bromides are water soluble; exceptions are bromides of copper, lead, mercury, and silver that are very slightly soluble in water. Potassium bromide, KBr, and sodium bromide, NaBr, are the familiar bromides used in medicine as sedatives; they should be used under a doctor's direction since they are habit-forming. Magnesium bromide, found in seawater, is a source of pure bromine. Silver bromide is one of the light-sensitive silver salts used in films, plates, and printing papers for photography. Hydrobromic acid is a water solution of hydrogen bromide, a gas. The presence of a bromide in a water solution can be detected by adding chlorine and carbon disulfide, CS ₂ ; the bromine is displaced from its compound and dissolves in the CS ₂ , giving it a characteristic orange color.

bromide Salt of hydrobromic acid or certain organic compounds containing bromine. The bromides of ammonium, sodium, potassium and certain other metals were once extensively used medically as sedatives. Silver bromide is light-sensitive and is used in photography.

bro·mide / ˈbrōmīd/ • n. 1. Chem. a compound of bromine with another element or group, esp. a salt containing the anion Br⁻ or an organic compound with bromine bonded to an alkyl radical. ∎  a reproduction or piece of typesetting on bromide paper. 2. a trite and unoriginal idea or remark, typically intended to soothe or placate: feel-good bromides create the illusion of problem solving. DERIVATIVES: bro·mid·ic / brōˈmidik/ adj. (in sense 2).