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Formation of bromine in a redox reaction, 2 of 3. Orange-brown bromine gas (Br2) forms when concentrated (18M) sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is added to white solid potassium bromide (KBr) in a test tube. The initial reaction forms hydrogen bromide gas (HBr), which is then oxidized by the sulfuric acid to form bromine gas (Br2). The two reactions are: KBr + H2SO4 -> HBr + KHSO4 and HBr + H2SO4 -> Br2 + SO2 + H2O. The combined reaction is: KBr + H2SO4 -> KHSO4 + Br2 + SO2 + H2O. The orange-?brown vapour is hydrogen bromide contaminated with the brown colour of bromine. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE SOURCE/GIPhotoStock)