Description

Hydrobromic Acid Supplier — Industrial & Pharma Grade HBr 48% for API Synthesis, Alkylation & Chemical Manufacturing

Introduction

Hydrobromic Acid (HBr, CAS 10035-10-6) is one of the strongest mineral acids, ranking among the principal hydrogen halide acids alongside hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, and hydroiodic acids in industrial importance and chemical reactivity. Aqueous hydrobromic acid at 48% concentration (azeotropic composition) is a colourless to pale yellow, fuming liquid with a characteristically sharp, pungent odour and extremely corrosive properties. HBr serves as an indispensable reagent and catalyst in a wide range of industrial processes — from pharmaceutical API synthesis and fine chemical manufacturing to petroleum alkylation, bromination reactions, and as a source of bromide ions in inorganic synthesis.

In the pharmaceutical industry, HBr is used as a reagent for introducing bromine atoms into organic molecules (electrophilic aromatic bromination, alpha-bromination of carbonyl compounds), as an acid catalyst in cyclization and rearrangement reactions, and as a salt-forming agent to produce pharmaceutically active hydrobromide salts of various amines (e.g., dextromethorphan HBr, scopolamine HBr, homatropine HBr). The petroleum refining industry utilizes HBr in alkylation processes and as a catalyst in isomerization reactions. For procurement teams managing acid supply for pharmaceutical manufacturing, fine chemical synthesis, or petroleum processing, sourcing hydrobromic acid with consistent concentration, low impurity levels, and proper hazardous materials handling is a critical supply chain requirement. Davar ChemTech supplies hydrobromic acid in industrial (48%) and pharmaceutical grades with full analytical documentation.

Key Technical Features

• Industrial-grade HBr 48% (azeotropic) with ≥ 47.0% assay for general chemical and alkylation applications
• Pharmaceutical-grade HBr 48% meeting BP/USP monograph requirements with stringent limits on heavy metals, arsenic, and iron
• Available in 30 kg carboys and 200L HDPE drums — specialty packaging in glass carboys for ultra-pure requirements
• Full COA with assay, bromine-free acid (HBr3), chloride, sulfate, iron, arsenic, and heavy metals parameters
• Low organic impurity specification available for pharmaceutical and electronic-grade applications
• Hazardous acid logistics managed end-to-end with licensed transporters, UN number documentation, and proper emergency response kit

Industrial Applications

In pharmaceutical manufacturing, hydrobromic acid occupies a uniquely versatile position as both a reagent and a product-forming agent. Its primary role as a brominating reagent stems from the electrophilic nature of the bromonium ion (Br+) generated when HBr is activated by an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide or nitric acid. This electrophilic bromination capability is essential for introducing bromine atoms at specific positions on aromatic rings and alpha-carbon positions adjacent to carbonyl groups — structural modifications that are fundamental to the pharmacological activity of many drug molecules. The pharmaceutical-grade HBr supplied by Davar ChemTech is specified with tight limits on heavy metals (≤ 5 ppm as Pb), arsenic (≤ 1 ppm), and iron (≤ 5 ppm) because these impurities can poison expensive transition metal catalysts (palladium, platinum, rhodium) used in subsequent synthesis steps, resulting in costly batch failures and product quality excursions.

Beyond bromination, HBr is extensively used to form pharmaceutically active hydrobromide salts of basic amine-containing drug molecules. The hydrobromide salt form often provides superior crystallinity, stability, and bioavailability compared to the free base or other salt forms — properties that directly impact drug product shelf life, dissolution rate, and therapeutic efficacy. Common hydrobromide salt APIs include dextromethorphan HBr (cough suppressant), scopolamine HBr (anticholinergic), homatropine HBr (anticholinergic mydriatic), and pyridostigmine HBr (cholinesterase inhibitor). In the petroleum refining sector, hydrobromic acid is used as a catalyst in isomerization and alkylation processes, particularly in the production of high-octane gasoline blending components from light olefin feedstocks. HBr’s strong acidity and non-oxidizing nature make it suitable for acid-catalyzed reactions where chlorides would cause undesirable side reactions or corrosion issues.

Technical Specifications

Storage, Handling & Safety

Hydrobromic acid is a highly corrosive, toxic liquid classified under GHS as Skin Corrosion Category 1A, Serious Eye Damage Category 1, and Acute Toxicity Category 3 (inhalation). The 48% aqueous solution can cause severe, deep chemical burns on contact with skin and can cause irreversible eye damage, including blindness. Its vapours are highly irritating to the respiratory tract and can cause pulmonary edema at high concentrations. ALWAYS handle HBr in a fume hood or under local exhaust ventilation with adequate face velocity. Wear acid-resistant clothing, neoprene or butyl rubber gloves, chemical splash goggles, and a full face shield.

For operations involving potential vapour exposure above occupational limits, use a full-face supplied-air respirator or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Store in tightly sealed HDPE or glass containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from bases, oxidizers, organic materials, and metals (HBr reacts vigorously with many metals producing flammable hydrogen gas). Keep containers on acid-resistant spill pallets with secondary containment. Transport under UN 1788 (Hydrobromic Acid), Class 8 (Corrosive), with full ADR/IMDG documentation and labeling. In case of skin contact, immediately remove contaminated clothing and flush affected area with copious water for at least 15 minutes. For eye contact, flush with water for at least 20 minutes holding eyelids open and seek immediate medical attention. Do NOT induce vomiting if swallowed — rinse mouth and seek medical help. For spills, contain with inert material, neutralize with lime or sodium bicarbonate, and collect residues for hazardous waste disposal. Keep calcium gluconate gel readily available as first-aid for acid burns.

Supply Capability & Distribution Strength

Davar ChemTech supplies hydrobromic acid across India from our Vadodara, Gujarat distribution center with dedicated acid storage and handling infrastructure. Our supply network serves pharmaceutical API manufacturers in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Vadodara’s own Alembic and Sun Pharma facilities; petroleum refining companies in Gujarat (Reliance Jamnagar, Nayara Energy Vadodara, IOCL Gujarat); fine chemical manufacturers in Gujarat’s Ankleshwar, Dahej, and Nadiad chemical zones; and inorganic bromide manufacturers across all major industrial regions. We maintain warehouse stock of industrial-grade HBr 48% in 30 kg carboys and 200L drums for immediate dispatch. Pharmaceutical-grade HBr 48% (BP/USP compliant) is available on 5-7 day lead times with full pharmacopoeial COA. Bulk ISO tank deliveries are arranged on 7-10 day lead times through our licensed corrosive goods transport partners. Every consignment is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis, Safety Data Sheet (SDS), UN 1788 transport documentation, and emergency response contact information.

Get in Touch

Hydrobromic acid demands a supplier with specialized acid handling infrastructure, regulatory documentation, and pharmaceutical-grade quality assurance. Davar ChemTech delivers industrial and pharma-grade HBr 48% with guaranteed assay, full COA, licensed corrosive goods transport, and technical advisory support. Contact us for specification sheets, pharmacopoeial COAs, or competitive bulk pricing — we respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.