What is Potassium bromide?
[[File:Bromid draselný.JPG|thumb|Potassium bromide]] '''Potassium bromide''' is a [[chemical compound]]. Its chemical formula is KBr. It contains [[potassium]] and [[bromide]] [[ion]]s. ==Properties== It is a white [[crystalline]] solid. It dissolves easily in water. When it is dilute, it tastes sweet; when it is a little concentrated, it tastes bitter; when it is very concentrated, it tastes salty. This taste is because of the potassium ion. ==Preparation== It can be made by reacting [[hydrogen bromide]] with [[potassium carbonate]] or [[potassium hydroxide]]. It can also be made by reacting [[bromine]] and potassium metal. This is very difficult, though. ==Uses== It is used to put people to sleep (sedative). It is also used to stop [[wikt:convulsion|convulsions]]. This is because of the bromide ion, not the potassium ion. It is used to make [[silver bromide]]. It is used to treat various [[animal]]s. ==Safety== Bromide ions can be toxic in large amounts. Potassium ions can burn, similar to [[sodium chloride|salt]] when someone eats too much. ==Related pages== *[[Potassium iodide]] *[[Sodium bromide]] {{chem-stub}} {{Hypnotics and sedatives}} [[Category:Potassium compounds]] [[Category:Bromine compounds]]