Bromine chloride

Chemical properties

A reddish-yellow mobile liquid or gas. Irritating, pungent odor.

The Uses of Bromine chloride

Bromine chloride (BrCl) is an irritating red, smelly liquid used to treat industrial and sewage wastes.

General Description

A reddish-yellow mobile liquid with an irritating odor. Melting point -66°C. Toxic by ingestion or inhalation, and an irritant to skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Prolonged exposure of the containers to intense heat may result in their violent rupturing and rocketing. Used as an industrial disinfectant.

Air & Water Reactions

Soluble in water [Hawley]. Reacts with water or steam to produce hydrochloric acid.

Reactivity Profile

Bromine chloride is a strong oxidizing agent. May react vigorously with combustible materials and generate enough heat to start and support combustion. Decomposes above 50°F to produce highly toxic chlorine gas.

Health Hazard

TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled or absorbed through skin. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution.

Fire Hazard

Substance does not burn but will support combustion. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. These are strong oxidizers and will react vigorously or explosively with many materials including fuels. May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Some will react violently with air, moist air and/or water. Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release toxic and/or corrosive gas through pressure relief devices. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket.

Potential Exposure

Used as an industrial disinfectant

Shipping

UN2901 Bromine chloride, Hazard Class: 2.3; Labels: 2.3—Poisonous gas, 8—Corrosive material, 5.1— Oxidizer Inhalation Hazard Zone B.

Incompatibilities

Dangerous, unstable material. Decomposes above 10° C, releasing highly toxic chlorine gas. A strong oxidizer. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Reacts with moisture, water or steam, forming corrosive hydrochloric acid. Reacts violently with combustibles and reducing agents; reactions may produce enough heat to both start and support combustion. May be corrosive to metals.

Waste Disposal

Dispose of contents and container to an approved waste disposal plant. All federal, state, and local environmental regulations must be observed.