The chemical symbol for Bromine is Br and it comes from bromos, Greek for “stench.”

Bromine is one of only two elements that are liquid at room temperature; the other is mercury. It has a deep reddish brown color in liquid form.

Bromine evaporates readily, producing a dense red vapor.

It is a member of the halogen group, alongside fluorine, chlorine, iodine, and astatine.

Bromine is less reactive than chlorine but more reactive than iodine.

Bromine is corrosive to human tissue and can cause severe burns. Its vapor is notoriously toxic and has an intensely strong odor.

Bromine forms a variety of compounds called bromides, which are more stable and safe.

Bromine was discovered in 1826 by French chemist Antoine Jérôme Balard, who isolated it from the ashes of seaweed.

Bromine occurs naturally in seawater, making oceans a major global source. It is also found in salt lakes, especially the Dead Sea, which is extremely rich in bromine.

Bromine reacts with most metals to form bromides.

When bromine contacts aluminum, it reacts violently and sometimes explosively.

It reacts with organic compounds to form brominated hydrocarbons, many of which are used in flame retardants.

It was once a key ingredient in leaded gasoline additives, which are now banned.

Bromine compounds can damage the ozone layer, similar to chlorine compounds.

Volcanic eruptions release natural bromine into the atmosphere.

Sea spray aerosolizes tiny bromide crystals into the air.

The Dead Sea contains about 10 times more bromine than regular seawater.

In the 1800s, bromide salts were used as tranquilizers, especially for soldiers.

An old myth claims that armies put bromides in food to reduce libido; this is false but remains popular lore.

Bromine caused a major industrial accident in 1993. A train derailment in Alabama spilled thousands of gallons of bromine, creating a massive toxic red cloud that forced 2,000 people to evacuate.