The Decomposition of Aqueous Sodium Bromite

Abstract

An investigation of the rate of decomposition of aqueous sodium bromite is described. The main reactions are: 2BrO2− → BrO− + BrO3− and Br− + BrO2− → 2BrO−, followed by BrO− + BrO2− → Br− + BrO3−. The rate constants and activation parameters of the decomposition reactions are reported. As the second reaction is the reverse of that previously studied in the decomposition of sodium hypobromite, its equilibrium constant (at various temperatures) can be obtained, and hence the thermodynamic properties of aqueous bromite ions. These are briefly compared with the properties of similar ions containing bromine or chlorine.