Product Overview
Zinc bromide (ZnBr₂) is a white, hygroscopic crystalline salt with one of the highest water solubilities of any inorganic compound. Because a saturated aqueous solution of zinc bromide reaches densities above 2.0 g/cm³ while staying perfectly clear and solids-free, it is the standard high-density brine fluid of the oil and gas industry — used in well completion, workover and packer operations where solid weighting agents would damage the reservoir.
The same chemistry also powers a fast-growing energy-storage market: aqueous zinc bromide is the core electrolyte of zinc–bromine flow batteries, a low-cost, high-energy-density grid storage technology. In organic synthesis zinc bromide acts as a mild Lewis-acid catalyst
value propositions:
Oilfield Brines:
● the standard solids-free high-density brine for well completion, workover and packer fluids;
Energy Storage:
● the core electrolyte of zinc–bromine flow batteries for grid and distributed storage;
Catalysis & Organic Synthesis:
● a mild, selective Lewis-acid catalyst for stereoselective and regioselective reactions;
Product Information (Quick Facts)
Item | Specification |
Chemical Name | Zinc bromide (Zinc dibromide, Zinc(II) bromide) |
Synonyms | Zinc dibromide; Zinc(II) bromide; Bromozinc |
CAS No. | 7699-45-8 |
EC No. (EINECS) | 231-718-4 |
Molecular Formula | ZnBr₂ |
Molecular Weight | 225.20 g/mol |
HS Code | 2827.59 (other bromides; 8-digit code may vary by destination) |
Density | 4.20 g/cm³ (solid, 20 °C) |
Melting / Boiling Point | 394 °C / 650 °C |
Solubility | Extremely soluble in water, alcohols, acetone and THF; insoluble in diethyl ether |
Chemistry & Product Forms
Zinc bromide is produced by direct reaction of high-purity zinc metal with bromine, followed by purification and either crystallization (anhydrous powder) or careful dilution to a specified solution concentration. Its extreme solubility comes from the strong solvation of the Zn²⁺ and Br⁻ ions, which also gives the solutions high ionic conductivity — the property exploited in flow-battery electrolytes.
Two physical forms dominate supply. Anhydrous powder (assay ≥ 98%) is economical to ship and store and is reconstituted on site
Key Features & Benefits
● Solids-free, formation-friendly: the transparent brine carries no suspended solids, protecting reservoir permeability during completion and workover.
● High ionic conductivity: an ideal electrolyte medium for zinc–bromine flow batteries and electrochemical processes.
● Mild, selective Lewis acidity: catalyzes stereoselective and regioselective transformations with good functional-group tolerance.
● Full traceability: COA with every batch documenting assay, density and key impurities.
Main Applications
1 Oilfield Brines (Core Application)
Zinc bromide is the workhorse salt of high-density clear brine fluids:
● Completion fluids: solids-free brine that controls well pressure and keeps the pay zone clean during completion;
● Workover fluids: dense, clear brines for well intervention without formation damage;
● Packer fluids: long-life annular fluids that hold pressure between casing and tubing;
● Kill fluids: heavy brines blended with other halides to match the density required for well control.
2 Energy Storage — Zinc–Bromine Flow Batteries
● Battery electrolyte: aqueous ZnBr₂ is the standard electrolyte of zinc–bromine redox flow batteries;
● Grid and distributed storage: supports low-cost, long-duration storage with high energy density and a high open-circuit voltage;
● Electrolyte services: prepared battery-grade solutions with controlled impurities and charge-storage additives.
3 Catalysis & Organic Synthesis
● Lewis-acid catalyst: promotes stereoselective and regioselective additions, cyclizations and rearrangements;
● Organic zinc chemistry: reagent for Reformatsky-type and other organozinc transformations;
● Fine chemicals: pharmaceutical and agrochemical intermediates.
4 Radiation Shielding & Specialty Applications
● Fire retardancy and water treatment: additive in flame-retardant and treatment formulations;
● Laboratory reagent: standard salt for zinc and bromide determinations.
Packaging, Storage
Packaging (customizable):
● Powder: 25 kg fiber drum with PE liner, or 500 kg – 1,000 kg FIBC;
● Solution: 220 kg HDPE drum, 1,000 L IBC, or ISO tank for bulk;
● Moisture-barrier lining standard for powder grades.
Storage:
● Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat;
● Keep powder containers tightly closed — zinc bromide is hygroscopic;
● Protect solutions from freezing and from contact with incompatible metals (corrosive);
● Recommended storage temperature 5 °C – 35 °C.
Why Choose Jinan Future Chemical Co., Ltd.?
● Factory-direct supply: own production capacity, transparent pricing, no middleman markup;
● Stable quality: strict internal control, every batch tested, COA with every shipment;
● Export experience: familiar with sea/air shipping documentation for chemical commodities, complete paperwork support;
● Fast response: quotations and technical support (COA, brine density and dosing advice) within 24 hours; small trial orders accepted.
FAQ
Q1: What is zinc bromide used for?
Its largest use is as a high-density, solids-free brine fluid in oil and gas well completion, workover and packer operations. It is also the core electrolyte of zinc–bromine flow batteries for energy storage, a Lewis-acid catalyst in organic synthesis.
Q2: Is zinc bromide safe to handle?
Zinc bromide solutions are corrosive (UN 1760) and the powder is hygroscopic and irritating to skin and eyes. Use gloves, goggles and protective clothing, avoid dust and skin contact, and prevent release to the environment. It is an industrial chemical and must never be used in food products.