From the CRC handbook of Chemistry and Physics, CRC Press, Cleveland, 55th ed., 1974-75 "The Elements" by C.R. Hammond. page B-8
Bromine (Gr. bromos, stench), Br; at. wt. 79.904; at. no. 35; m.p. -7.2 C; b.p. 58.78 C; density of gas 7.59 g/l, liquid 2.12 (20 C); valence 1,3,5 or 7. Discovered by Balard in 1826, but not prepared in quantity until 1860. A member of the halogen group of elements, it is obtained from natural brines from wells in Michigan and West Virginia and from sea water by displacement with chlorine; electrolysis might be used. Bromine is the onlyh liquid nonmetallic element. It is a heavy, mobile, reddish-brown liquid, volatilzing readily at room temperature to a red vapor with a strong disagreeable odor, resembling chlorine, and having a very irritating effect on the eyes and throat; it is readily soluble in water or carbon disulfide, forming a red solution; it is less active than chlorine but more so than iodine; it unites readily with many elements and has a bleaching action; when spilled on the skin it produces painful sores. It presents a serious health hazard, and maximum safety precautions should be taken when handling it. About 80% of the bromine output int he U.S. is used in the production of ehtylene dibromide, a lead scavenger used in making gasoline antiknock compounds. Bromine is also used in making fumigants, flameproofing agents, water purification compounds, dyes, medicinals, sanitizers, inorganic bromides for photography, etc. Organic bromides are also important.
