Potassium bromide (CAS 7758-02-3)

Potassium bromide (KBr) is an inorganic compound that is widely used in various scientific domains, particularly in analytical chemistry and spectroscopy. As a transparent, colorless salt, it is highly soluble in water and plays a critical role in the preparation of dense solutions for the separation and analysis of different biomolecules via density gradient centrifugation. This method is particularly important for purifying DNA, RNA, and proteins, as it allows for the separation of these molecules based on their buoyant densities. In the field of spectroscopy, potassium bromide is extensively utilized in the preparation of pellets through which infrared light can pass. This application is fundamental in infrared spectroscopy for analyzing organic compounds, as KBr does not absorb significant amounts of infrared radiation at wavelengths typically used in these analytical procedures, making it an ideal medium for supporting sample materials without interfering with the spectral data. Moreover, potassium bromide has been employed in geological research to study mineral and fluid inclusions within rocks, as it helps in the dissolution and analysis of these inclusions without altering their isotopic and elemental compositions. Through these applications, potassium bromide has become an essential tool in scientific research, providing critical insights in chemistry, biology, and geology.