Is Br2 Polar or Nonpolar?

Answer: Br2 is a nonpolar molecule due to the linear arrangement of identical atoms (i.e. which therefore have the same electronegativity). No permanent dipole can be produced. 

Due to the large number of electrons within Bromine the molecule forms strong temporary forces (also known as London Dispersion Forces) that result in a high melting point of -7.2˚C and boiling point of 58.8˚C. This means that Br2 is a liquid at standard temperature and pressure. Due to the attraction of bromine as a halogen to free electrons, the structure is extremely rare in nature and extremely reactive. As a result, the molecule is not safe to handle and can easily cause burns/scars/worse effects if in direct contact with human skin. As a result, many countries and organizations have a limit for exposure with the compound. Br2 is the precursor for many molecules that include bromine including the acidic form HBr.

Br2 Ball and Stick Model. Created with MolView.

How is Bromine utilized in the real world?

The most significant use of the molecule is within flame retardants since it is able to perform similar reactions as what is driving the fire but in fact in a less reactive fashion. Furthermore, bromine was added to engine fuel in order to remove "knocking" and added as a pesticide in agricultural applications. However both of these uses were ended when it was discovered that free bromine helped to disintegrate the ozone layer within the atmosphere. Bromine salts find some uses in pharmacology and water treatment. These salts combine a bromine atom with an alkali metal.