Synthesis of Hydrogen Bromide by Free-Radical Chain Reaction
Synthesis of Hydrogen Bromide by Free-Radical Chain Reaction
This Demonstration considers the gas phase reaction of hydrogen with bromine to produce HBr. The overall reaction is:
H
2
Br
2
Plots are shown of the concentrations of all five species involved in the reaction. The reaction proceeds through a free-radical chain mechanism. Initiation is the production of bromine atoms through photochemical excitation. Propagation of the chain repeatedly produces hydrogen atoms and hydrogen bromide molecules. Termination of the chain occurs when hydrogen and bromine atoms combine.