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BROMINE
Natural Abundance, Stable Isobars Br79, 50.56%, None Br81, 49.44% Strontium bromide is the only charge material which has been used for the separation of the isotopes of bromine. This same compound has also been used in the simultaneous collection of the isotopes of both bromine and strontium. The usual calutron charge consists of 250 g SrBr2 in a style C-16 graphite charge bottle. Strontium bromide may be obtained from commercial sources; however, it also has been prepared in the laboratory by the action of hydrobromic acid on either strontium hydroxide or strontium carbonate. Using a plastic container, strontium metal is carefully dissolved in water to produce a strontium hydroxide solution to which an excess of hydrobromic acid is added. Or, alternatively, small portions of strontium carbonate are dissolved in hydrobromic acid, with care taken to maintain an excess of the acid. In either case the resulting strontium bromide solution is evaporated to incipient crystallization and poured into a shallow stainless-steel tray where it solidifies. The cake is broken out of the tray and heated under vacuum at 325°C for four hours. After cooling, the hygroscopic SrBr2 is quickly transferred to sealed containers for storage. Bromides are considered moderately toxic and care should be exercised in handling them. Hydrobromic acid produces severe local irritation to mucous membranes. Fume hoods with good exhaust, rubber gloves and safety glasses are recommended when handling hydrobromic acid. |
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