Bromine is a nonmetal. It is a halogen element with the atomic number 35 and symbol Br in the periodic table. Bromine is a highly reactive element and is found in the form of diatomic molecules (Br2) in its elemental state. 1
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Key Takeaways: Is Bromine a Metal or Nonmetal?
- Bromine is nonmetal because it lacks the physical and chemical properties of metals.
- Bromine is different from other nonmetals in several ways, such as its liquid state at room temperature, reddish-brown color, higher density, toxicity, and corrosiveness.
- Bromine is a valuable and versatile material with a range of applications in various fields, such as photography, water purification, fire retardants, pesticides, dyes, and medicine.
Explanation: Why is bromine a nonmetal?
Bromine is nonmetal because it lacks the physical and chemical properties of metals. Nonmetals are elements that tend to be poor conductors of heat and electricity, have low melting and boiling points, and are typically brittle in their solid state. 2
Bromine is a halogen element and belongs to the same group as other nonmetals such as fluorine, chlorine, and iodine.
In its elemental form, bromine is a reddish-brown liquid that readily evaporates to form a gas. 3 4 It has a low boiling point of 59 °C and a low melting point of −7.2 °C, which are typical of nonmetals. 5
Additionally, bromine has a high electronegativity value, which means it tends to attract electrons towards itself in a chemical bond. This property is also characteristic of nonmetals, as opposed to metals, which tend to lose electrons in chemical reactions. 6
Overall, the physical and chemical properties of bromine are consistent with those of other nonmetals, and thus it is classified as a nonmetal.
Properties of bromine that classify it as a nonmetal
There are several properties of bromine that classify it as a nonmetal. Here are some of the main properties:
- Poor conductivity: Bromine is a poor conductor of heat and electricity. Nonmetals generally have low electrical conductivity because they do not have free electrons to move and carry electric charge. 7
- Low melting and boiling points: Bromine has a low boiling point of 59 °C and a low melting point of −7.2 °C. These low melting and boiling points are characteristic of nonmetals and are due to the weak attractive forces between their atoms or molecules.
- Brittle: In its solid state, bromine is brittle and easily breaks or shatters when subjected to stress. This is due to the lack of metallic bonding, which gives metals their malleability and ductility.
- High electronegativity: Bromine has a relatively high electronegativity value, which means it tends to attract electrons towards itself in a chemical bond. This property is also characteristic of nonmetals, as opposed to metals, which tend to lose electrons in chemical reactions. 8
- Non-reflective surface: Bromine has a non-reflective surface due to its lack of metallic bonding. Metals have a shiny or reflective surface due to their ability to reflect light waves.
Overall, these properties of bromine are consistent with those of other nonmetals, and thus it is classified as a nonmetal.
How is bromine different from other nonmetals?
While bromine shares many properties with other nonmetals, there are some differences that distinguish it from other nonmetals:
- Liquid at room temperature: Unlike most nonmetals that exist as gases at room temperature, bromine is a liquid. It is the only nonmetal that is a liquid at room temperature and standard pressure.
- Reddish-brown color: Bromine is the only nonmetal that has a reddish-brown color in both its liquid and gaseous states.
- Higher density: Bromine has a higher density than most other nonmetals, except for iodine. Its density is around three times higher than that of air at room temperature and pressure.
- Toxic and corrosive: Bromine is a highly toxic and corrosive element. It can cause severe chemical burns and is harmful if inhaled or ingested. It is also a strong oxidizing agent and can react violently with many organic compounds. 9 10
- Forms cations in some compounds: Bromine can form cations in some compounds, such as the bromonium ion. This is different from most nonmetals, which typically form anions in their compounds. 11
These unique properties set bromine apart from other nonmetals and make it a valuable element in various industrial and scientific applications.
Further reading
Why is Krypton a Noble Gas?
Is Krypton a Metal or Nonmetal?
Is Rubidium a Metal?
Is Strontium a Metal or Nonmetal?
Is Silver a Metal or Nonmetal?
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References
- P. (n.d.). Bromine. Bromine | Br2 – PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/24408
- Properties of metal and non-metal elements – Metals and non-metals – Eduqas – GCSE Chemistry (Single Science) Revision – Eduqas – BBC Bitesize. (n.d.). BBC Bitesize. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zcxmfcw/revision/1
- Glossary: Bromine. (n.d.). Glossary: Bromine. https://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/opinions_layman/en/phthalates-school-supplies/glossary/abc/bromine.htm
- Nj.gov https://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/0252.pdf
- Vapor Pressure of Gas/Liquid. (2019, January 17). Chemistry LibreTexts. https://chem.libretexts.org/Courses/University_of_California_Davis/UCDemos/Vapor_Pressure_of_Gas_Liquid
- Lecture 12: Chemical Bonding. (n.d.). Lecture 12: Chemical Bonding. http://butane.chem.uiuc.edu/cyerkes/chem102aefa07/lecture_notes_102/lecture%2012%20.htm
- Bromine – Wikipedia. (2016, January 5). Bromine – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bromine
- Boudreaux, K. A. (n.d.). The Parts of the Periodic Table. The Parts of the Periodic Table. https://www.angelo.edu/faculty/kboudrea/periodic/trends_electronegativity.htm
- Bromine: toxicological overview. (n.d.). GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bromine-properties-incident-management-and-toxicology/bromine-toxicological-overview
- of Response and Restoration, US GOV, N. O. (n.d.). BROMINE | CAMEO Chemicals | NOAA. BROMINE | CAMEO Chemicals | NOAA. https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/chemical/257
- DERBYSHIRE, D. H., & WATERS, W. A. (1949, September 10). The Bromine Cation, Br+, and its Reactions – Nature. Nature. https://doi.org/10.1038/164446a0