Hydrobromic acid

Hydrobromic Acid is formed by dissolving the diatomic molecule hydrogen bromide in water. It has a pKa of &minus;9, making it a stronger acid than hydrochloric acid, but not as strong as hydroiodic acid. Hydrobromic acid is one of the strongest mineral acids known. (See strong acid.)

Uses
Hydrobromic acid is mainly used for the production of inorganic bromides, cleaning alkoxy and phenoxy compounds, substitution of hydroxyl groups, and the hydrobromination of alkenes. It also catalyzes alkylation reactions and the extraction of certain ores.

Syntheses
Hydrobromic acid can be prepared in the laboratory via the reaction of Br2, SO2, and water. More typically laboratory preparations involve the production of anhydrous HBr, which is then dissolved in water.

Hydrobromic acid has commonly been prepared industrially by reacting bromine with either sulfur or phosphorus and water. However, it can also be produced electrolytically. . It can also be prepared by treating bromides with non-oxidising acids like phosphoric or acetic acids.

Hydrobromic acid is available in various concentrations and purities.