Calcium bromide

Calcium bromide (CAS 7789-41-5), also referred to as CaBr2, is an inorganic salt used across oil and gas, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors.

Where is Calcium bromide used?

• Oil and gas drilling: clear completion fluid brine
• Pharmaceuticals: bromide ion source in sedative and anticonvulsant formulations
• Water treatment: biocidal programs in cooling towers via hypobromous acid
• Flame retardant systems in plastics and textiles: precursor or synergist
• It functions primarily as a high-density brine component.
• Compatible with other bromide salts such as sodium bromide and zinc bromide to prepare heavy brine systems.
• Used in well workover and intervention operations to maintain hydrostatic pressure and provide a solids-free fluid.
• In organic chemistry, serves as a reagent for the synthesis of alkyl bromides via halogen exchange reactions.
• Solution serves as a secondary coolant (brine) in refrigeration systems.

Good to know: Controlled ionic concentration is critical to product consistency in medical applications.

Formulation notes

• Brine can be mixed with calcium chloride and zinc bromide to achieve densities from 11.0 to 21.0 lb/gal without solids.
• The powder form offers flexibility in storage and concentration adjustment, while the solution form is ready to use and reduces mixing time.
• Reacts with strong acids, forming corrosive fumes.

Typical specification

• Solubility in water is 142 g/100 ml at 30°C.
• Saturated solutions reach densities up to 1.82 g/cm³.
• Content greater than 96%.

Regulatory status

• Hazard statement H318: Causes serious eye damage.
• Classified as corrosive with GHS05.
• Listed on the TSCA inventory.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Should be stored dry, separated from strong oxidants.

Frequently asked questions about Calcium bromide

What is the pH range of calcium bromide?

Calcium bromide has a pH between 6.5 and 9.5.

In which grade is calcium bromide supplied?

Calcium bromide is supplied in technical grade for industrial and laboratory applications.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.