The scope of the article is limited to those organic bromine compounds having industrial application. The organic bromine compounds are prepared and produced either by substitutive or additive bromination. Organic bromine compounds, in which the bromine atom is retained in the final molecular structure, and where its presence contributes to the properties of the desired products, are the largest segment in terms of consumed volumes. This segment includes mainly flame retardants, biocides, gasoline additives, halons, bromobutyl rubber, pharmaceuticals, and dyes. Brominated flame retardants are the more significant and voluminous part of all bromine derivatives. Bromine consumption in flame retardants forms half of organic bromine compounds consumption. Brominated flame retardants are divided into two general classes according to their relation to polymers ‐ additive flame retardants and reactive flame retardants. The more significant and expanding group of brominated biocides is for water treatment.
Organic bromine compounds have traditionally played an important role as intermediates in the production of agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and dyes, while new process developments that results in new applications in UV sunscreens, high performance polymers and others.