Video Transcript
Methyl bromide is a gaseous
chemical that contributes to ozone depletion. Where is methyl bromide commonly
found? (A) In fertilizers, (B) in
industrial catalysts, (C) in insecticides, (D) in car exhaust fumes, (E) in fire
extinguishers.
Methyl bromide is a small molecule
that contains one carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms and a bromine atom. Because it is a small molecule, it
has a very low boiling point. So, methyl bromide exists as a gas
at room temperature. Methyl bromide can be stored in
containers under pressure. It is a very toxic substance.
Since methyl bromide is so toxic
and it disperses very easily, it is used to fumigate agricultural storage areas to
eliminate pests. The gas is colorless and
odorless. And when it disperses, it will not
contaminate the stored crops. The gas will kill insects and
rodents. The use of methyl bromide in
agricultural fumigation is now very limited as methyl bromide is known to react with
ozone in the stratosphere.
Although some methyl bromide is
released naturally from the seas and oceans, most of the manufactured methyl bromide
is found in insecticides. So, to answer the question “Where
is methyl bromide commonly found?,” “in insecticides” is the correct answer.
