2HBr + Cl2 → Br2 + 2HCl
This reaction is an example of a halogen displacement reaction, in which one halogen displaces another halogen from a compound. In this case, chlorine is more reactive than bromine, so it displaces bromine from hydrobromic acid.
The reaction between hydrobromic acid and chlorine is a relatively slow reaction at room temperature. However, the reaction can be accelerated by heating the reactants or by adding a catalyst, such as iron(III) chloride (FeCl3).
The products of the reaction, bromine and hydrochloric acid, are both corrosive and toxic gases. Therefore, it is important to take precautions when working with these chemicals.
