What is the valency of bromine?

The valency of bromine is 1. Bromine belongs to Group 17 (Halogens) of the periodic table and has 7 electrons in its outermost shell, so it needs one more electron to complete its octet.

Because bromine gains one electron during chemical reactions, its most common valency is 1. It forms compounds by sharing or accepting one electron. For example, in hydrogen bromide (HBr), bromine combines with one hydrogen atom using its valency of 1.

Bromine can also show variable oxidation states such as +1, +3, +5, and +7 in certain compounds, but its basic valency is generally considered 1 at the school level.

Example:

• HBr (Hydrogen bromide) → Bromine valency = 1

• NaBr (Sodium bromide) → Bromine valency = 1

Quick Fact: Bromine's electronic configuration is 2, 8, 18, 7, which explains why it requires only one electron to achieve a stable electronic configuration.