Cesium bromide

Description

Cesium bromide is a colorless crystal with the formula CsBr. It is a moderately water soluble crystalline Cesium source that decomposes to Cesium oxide on heating. Most metal bromine compounds are water-soluble and are used in water treatment, chemical analysis, and ultra-high purity for certain crystal growth applications.

Chemical properties

Cesium bromide is a colourless crystals. It has been used in protein crystallization for anamolous scattering.

The Uses of Cesium bromide

Cesium bromide (CsBr) crystals are used in scintillation counters to detect radiation. The compound is also used to coat the inside of fluorescent screens.

The Uses of Cesium bromide

In x-ray fluorescent screens, spectrometer prisms, absorption-cell windows.

The Uses of Cesium bromide

Cesium bromide is used as reagent, intermediate in pharmaceuticals.

Preparation

Caesium bromide can be prepared via following reactions:
Neutralization:
CsOH (aq) + HBr (aq) → CsBr (aq) + H2O (l)
Cs2(CO3) (aq) + 2 HBr (aq) → 2 CsBr (aq) + H2O (l) + CO2 (g)
Direct synthesis:
2 Cs (s) + Br2 (g) → 2 CsBr (s)
The direct synthesis is a vigorous reaction of caesium with other halogens. Due to its high cost, it is not used for preparation.

Production Methods

Single crystals Cesium bromide can be synthesized by the Kyropoulus method or the Stockbarger method. One can polish the crystal using pure alcohol.

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by intraperitoneal route. See also CESIUM and BROMIDES. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Br-.

Purification Methods

It is very soluble in H2O, soluble in EtOH but insoluble in Me2CO. Dissolve it in the minimum volume of H2O, filter and precipitate it by adding Me2CO. Filter off the solid and dry it at 100o. Also recrystallise it from water (0.8mL/g) by partial evaporation in a desiccator.

Structure and conformation

The space lattice of CsBr(Cesium bromide) belongs to the cubic system, and its cesium chloride structure has a lattice constant of a=0.429 nm.