Zinc bromide

Structure

ZnBr₂ crystallizes in the same structure as ZnI₂: four tetrahedral Zn centers share three vertices to form “super-tetrahedra” of nominal composition {Zn₄Br₁₀}²⁻, which are linked by their vertices to form a three-dimensional structure. The dihydrate ZnBr₂ · 2H₂O can be described as ([Zn(H₂O)₆]²⁺)²([Zn₂Br₆]^2-).

Gaseous ZnBr₂ is linear in accordance with VSEPR theory with a Zn-Br bond length of 221 pm.

Uses

Zinc bromide is mainly used in servicing oil and natural gas wells, solutions of zinc bromide are used to displace drilling mud when transitioning from the drilling phase to the completion phase or in well workover operations. The extremely dense brine solution gives the fluid its weight of 20 pounds/gallon, which makes it especially useful in holding back flammable oil and gas particles in high pressure wells. However, the high acidity and osmolarity cause corrosion and handling problems. Crews must be issued slicker suits and rubber boots because the fluid is so dehydrating.

It is the electrolyte in the zinc bromide battery.

Zinc bromide solutions can be used as a transparent shield against radiation. The space between two glass panes is filled with a strong aqueous solution of zinc bromide with a very high density, to be used as a window on a hot cell. This type of window has the advantage over lead glass in that it will not darken as a result of exposure to radiation. All glass will darken slowly over time due to radiation, however this is especially true in a hot cell, where exceptional levels of radiation are present. The advantage of an aqueous salt solution is that any radiation damage will last less than a millisecond, so the shield will undergo self-repair.

In the laboratory

In organic chemistry anhydrous ZnBr₂ is sometimes used as a Lewis acid.

Safety

Safety considerations are similar to those for zinc chloride, for which the toxic dose for humans is 3–5 g.