The story of bromine is one of the color purple, the Dead Sea and an early poison gas used in the First World War, says Allan Blackman from AUT, in ep 14 of Elemental.

Bromine is one of only two elements, out of 118 on the periodic table, which is liquid at room temperature and pressure. It is a dramatic fuming red liquid.

Its name means 'stench' and it is the reason you float in the Dead Sea, was the purple of Roman togas, and was used as an early poison gas in World War One.

Find out more about the element bromine (symbol Br and atomic number 35), with Professor Allan Blackman from AUT.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details