Chemical Forums

Specialty Chemistry Forums => Citizen Chemist => Topic started by: AfromOz on January 06, 2007, 02:31:49 PM

Title: OK, whassup? My Bromine Won't Freeze At -17C
Post by: AfromOz on January 06, 2007, 02:31:49 PM
To curtail the loss (seems to be working) I have my bromine sample in the deep freeze. Next to the frozen peas....

Two thermometers tell me it's -17C in there.

After two days, it's mostly still liquid and vapour with just touch of solid.

It's obviously contaminated but what with?

Cheers,

Adam
Title: Re: OK, whassup? My Bromine Won't Freeze At -17C
Post by: billnotgatez on January 06, 2007, 07:01:01 PM

Next to the frozen peas....

My first thoughts --
Oh My
and
Good Grief

------------
I assume that you are thinking that something is in your liquid that depresses the freezing temperature.
Sort of like salt in water.
One wonders if dissolved oxygen could do this.


Title: Re: OK, whassup? My Bromine Won't Freeze At -17C
Post by: enahs on January 06, 2007, 08:55:27 PM
First....good lord, please never ever...ever store chemicals near your food. That is just retarded.

It might also only be -17 where the thermometers are, not all over. Also, what kind of container is it in, as it could be fairly well insulated making it take longer.


It could be contaminated, but why are you asking us what with? Did you make it yourself, or did you buy it? If you made it your self, obviously the method of production will give clues on what it might be contaminated with.

Also, did I mention how utterly stupid it is to store chemicals near your food? You do realize that bromine is very toxic to humans, and inhaling or digest any can cause serious damage and even death?
Title: Re: OK, whassup? My Bromine Won't Freeze At -17C
Post by: Mitch on January 07, 2007, 12:15:40 AM
Bromine is known to leak everywhere no matter how well it is sealed. This is a very dangerous thing you are doing.
Title: Re: OK, whassup? My Bromine Won't Freeze At -17C
Post by: AfromOz on January 07, 2007, 01:58:27 AM
It's about 5 ml of bromine obtained from the bromine bottle at the school where I teach. Should be high quality.

The "next to the peas" was a joke. It's very well protected in multiple containers, labelled and isolated.

Sodium thiosulfate and vermiculite at the ready.

Day 3. Still a liquid. :(

Cheers,

Adam
Title: Re: OK, whassup? My Bromine Won't Freeze At -17C
Post by: billnotgatez on January 07, 2007, 08:17:52 AM
Can Bromine exist as a solid in a vacuum at -17C?
Title: Re: OK, whassup? My Bromine Won't Freeze At -17C
Post by: jdurg on January 07, 2007, 09:18:13 PM
With it that heavily insulated, there's a good chance that inside the bromine it is not the pre-requesite -7 degrees Celcius.  In addition, ANY substance needs some type of starting crystal in order to start forming a solid mass.  (Hence the term supercooling).
Title: Re: OK, whassup? My Bromine Won't Freeze At -17C
Post by: AfromOz on January 08, 2007, 08:02:40 AM
With it that heavily insulated, there's a good chance that inside the bromine it is not the pre-requesite -7 degrees Celcius.  In addition, ANY substance needs some type of starting crystal in order to start forming a solid mass.  (Hence the term supercooling).

That's what I was thinking re the insulation. That's why I gave it 48 hours. Now, 4 days later, it is still liquid. I understand the supercooling but surely the vapours should not still be given off?

Cheers,

Adam
Title: Re: OK, whassup? My Bromine Won't Freeze At -17C
Post by: Dude on January 08, 2007, 06:30:18 PM
What about water contamination?  How many times has the bottle been open and closed?

Br2 + H2O ? HOBr + HBr
Title: Re: OK, whassup? My Bromine Won't Freeze At -17C
Post by: billnotgatez on January 09, 2007, 02:19:59 AM
Had there been one grain of sand would sample be solid now?

  In addition, ANY substance needs some type of starting crystal in order to start forming a solid mass.
Title: Re: OK, whassup? My Bromine Won't Freeze At -17C
Post by: AfromOz on January 09, 2007, 11:00:05 AM
What about water contamination?  How many times has the bottle been open and closed?

Br2 + H2O ? HOBr + HBr


It's been pretty much unopened. That would make sense though. Day 5 - still a liquid :(

Not willing to open it as this could lead to more water contamination.

Cheers,

Adam