Chemical Name: Bromine chloride
Common Synonyms: Bromine monochloride
Molecular Formula: BrCl
Physical Form: Reddish brown gas or yellow-orange liquid at low temperatures
Use in Industry: Mainly used as an oxidizing agent in chemical processes, essential in water treatment applications and some chemical syntheses
Odor: Sharp, suffocating smell resembling chlorine and bromine
GHS Classification: Oxidizing gas, corrosive to metals, acute toxicant by inhalation and skin
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, corrosion, oxidizer
Main Hazards: Severe irritation and burns on skin and eyes, respiratory distress on inhalation, may cause fluid buildup in lungs, risk of deadly results with prolonged high exposure
Chronic Effects: Long-term contact causes respiratory issues, chronic bronchitis, aggravation of asthma
Component: Bromine chloride
CAS Number: 13863-41-7
Purity: Commercial samples typically above 95% BrCl
Impurities: Possible trace bromine, chlorine, water vapor
Inhalation: Get to fresh air right away, keep the person calm, seek medical help even if symptoms seem minor—coughing, chest pain, or shortness of breath must not go unchecked
Skin Contact: Rinse skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, remove contaminated clothes, do not delay medical intervention
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with gentle running water for several minutes continuously, remove contacts if possible, call for medical help
Ingestion: Not a typical route because of volatility, but in any case, rinse mouth, no induced vomiting, seek a doctor fast
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Bromine chloride itself does not ignite, but it reacts violently with many substances and may enhance combustion of other materials
Special Hazards: Toxic, corrosive, and heavy fuming gas released when heated
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need self-contained breathing apparatus, full chemical suits, and positive pressure gear
Advice: Cool containers with water spray, no direct contact with water on the reactive gas itself, avoid runoff contamination
Personal Precautions: Evacuate nonessential personnel, wear chemical-resistant clothing, use full-face respirators fitted with acid gas filters
Environmental Precautions: Prevent gas from entering sewers and waterways, contain and ventilate the area if possible
Cleanup Methods: Use remote handling or neutralization methods with sodium thiosulfate or sodium bisulfite solutions, ventilate until area tests negative for bromine and chlorine fumes, and decontaminate surfaces thoroughly
Handling Practices: Always work with proper ventilation, never work alone, prohibit eating or drinking around working spaces
Safe Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers resistant to corrosion, keep away from combustible materials, acids, alkalis, and sources of ignition
Special Notes: Storage areas need to stay cool, keep humidity low, label everything clearly, monitor regularly for leaks
Exposure Limits: OSHA and ACGIH recommend tight limits—a fraction of a ppm over an eight-hour day
Engineering Controls: Fume hoods, forced ventilation systems, gas detectors
Protective Gear: Chemical goggles or face shields, rubber gloves, full-body chemical suits, proper respirators, change protective clothing regularly
Hygiene: Wash hands and face after handling, remove contaminated gear before leaving controlled zones
Appearance: Dark red-brown gas or yellow-orange liquid under pressure
Odor: Pungent, suffocating
Boiling Point: Around 5°C (41°F)
Melting Point: −66°C (−87°F)
Density: Higher than air, will remain in low areas
Solubility: Dissolves in water, reacts to form hypobromous and hydrochloric acids
Vapor Pressure: High at room temperature, disperses quickly in air
Stability: Unstable in moist air, decomposes slowly if not kept dry
Reactivity: Intense reaction with organic materials, metals, reducers, ammonia
Hazardous Decomposition: Toxic chlorine and bromine vapors, forms acids with water
Incompatibilities: Strong bases, organic solvents, combustible substances
Acute Toxicity: Even low concentrations cause severe irritation to eyes, nose, and throat; exposures above safe limit may result in bronchospasm, chemical pneumonitis
Dermal Effects: Skin blistering and deep burns possible
Chronic Toxicity: Repeated exposure causes lung function reduction, risk of asthma, persistent skin issues
Sensitization: No strong evidence for delayed allergic reactions but immediate chemical damage dominates clinical picture
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic life, rapidly converts in water to acids harmful to organisms
Behavior in Environment: Highly reactive, does not persist, but its decomposition products damage ecosystems
Bioaccumulation: Not likely, but indirect harm through acidification
Notes: Release should always be prevented because the products acidify soil and water, disrupt biological balance severely even with brief exposure
Disposal Methods: Neutralize using thiosulfate solution under controlled conditions, dilute before sewering if permitted
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse with neutralizing solution, dispose through hazardous waste handlers
Regulatory Compliance: Must not dispose with ordinary waste; process as hazardous chemical waste using certified disposal firms
UN Number: Covered as a toxic gas, classified under UN 1744
Shipping Class: Toxic gas, requires special labeling and shipping papers
Packaging: Only shipped in corrosion-resistant, pressure-rated containers
Special Precautions: Emergency response guide included, transit only via approved routes, constant monitoring for leaks during transit
OSHA Standards: Recognized as a hazardous substance, listed under required chemical hazard communications
SARA Title III: Subject to reporting as an extremely hazardous substance
TSCA List: Registered for specific uses but restricted for general availability
International Controls: Included in international chemical safety lists for workplace and environmental protection