What is the name of the compound with the formula KBr ?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The compound with the formula KBr is called potassium bromide.
Potassium bromide is an ionic compound composed of potassium (K) and bromine (Br). Potassium is a metal from Group 1 of the periodic table, known as the alkali metals. Bromine is a non-metal found in Group 17, known as the halogens. In this compound, potassium donates one electron to bromine, forming potassium ions (K⁺) and bromide ions (Br⁻). The positive potassium ions and negative bromide ions attract each other, creating an ionic bond that holds the compound together.
The name potassium bromide follows the standard naming convention for ionic compounds. The metal element name (potassium) comes first, followed by the non-metal element with its ending changed to “-ide” (bromine becomes bromide). This indicates the compound contains bromide ions rather than elemental bromine.
Potassium bromide is a white crystalline solid at room temperature and is highly soluble in water. Because it dissociates into ions in water, it conducts electricity when dissolved. It has been used historically in medicine as a sedative and anticonvulsant, although it is less common today due to advances in pharmaceuticals.
In summary, potassium bromide consists of potassium and bromide ions held by strong ionic bonds. Its formula KBr clearly shows the one-to-one ratio of potassium to bromide ions. The name potassium bromide accurately describes its chemical composition using standard ionic compound naming rules.