ESS101C
Prof.
Jin-Yi Yu
The Bromine Cycle
qBr is also a ozone-depleting
catalyst
qThe bromine cycle is similar to
the chlorine cycle.
qThe natural source of bromine is
Methyl Bromine (Ch3Br), which is a byproduct of biological activity in the ocean. These natural source
reacts in the
troposphere.
qThe man-made source of bromine
is two chemical compounds: Halon-1211 (CF2ClBr) and Halon-1301
(CF3Br).
qThese two halons are used in certain types of fire
extinguishers.
qHalons diffuse up to the
stratosphere, where they are photolyzed into bromine atmos. They eventually
rain out.