Barium bromide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula BaBr2. It is a white solid with a high melting point of about 965°C. Barium bromide is soluble in water at room temperature and hygroscopic, absorbing moisture from the air and deliquescent.

Uses of Barium bromide 

1. Organic Synthesis: Barium bromide, as a brominating agent, is used in organic chemistry to introduce bromine atoms into organic molecules. It can be used for bromination of primary, secondary and tertiary carbon atoms, especially for substitution reactions on aromatic rings.

2. Catalysts: In some chemical reactions, barium bromide can be used as a catalyst to promote the reaction rate, especially in polymerization reactions and esterification reactions.

3. Desiccant: Since barium bromide has strong hygroscopicity, it can be used to dry certain gases, such as hydrogen chloride and hydrogen bromide, to remove the water in them.

4. Analytical chemistry: In analytical chemistry, barium bromide can be used to detect sulfate ions. When sulfate ions react with barium bromide, barium sulfate precipitates that are insoluble in water and acid are formed.

5. Pharmaceutical industry: Barium bromide also has applications in the pharmaceutical industry, possibly in the synthesis of drugs or as an ingredient in certain drugs.

6. Preparation of other barium compounds: Barium bromide can be used as a raw material to prepare other barium-containing compounds, such as radioisotopes used to prepare barium, which have applications in medical imaging.

7. Barium bromide solution: Barium bromide solution can be used as an electrolyte in electrochemical cells, especially in laboratory research and testing of high-energy batteries.