BROMINE TRIFLUORIDE

Chemical Properties

Bromine trifluoride is a noncombustible, colorless to gray-yellow fuming liquid. Extremely irritating odor.

Physical properties

Colorless liquid; hygroscopic; density 2.803 g/mL; boils at 125.8°C; solidifies at 8.8°C; vapor pressure 8 torr at 21°C; decomposes violently in water.

Uses

Solvent for fluorides.

Preparation

Bromine trifluoride may be prepared by fluorination of bromine at 80°C. The halogen mixtures may be diluted in nitrogen or an inert gas.

General Description

A colorless to yellow, fuming liquid with a pungent odor. Solidifies at 48°F. Very toxic by inhalation and corrosive to metals and tissue. Containers exposed to prolonged heat may violently rupture and rocket.

Air & Water Reactions

Fumes in air. Reacts with water with explosive force, oxygen being evolved [Handbook of Chemistry and Physics].

Reactivity Profile

BROMINE TRIFLUORIDE is a very reactive oxidizing agent. Reacts violently on contact with water to evolve oxygen. Accelerates the burning of combustible material. Mixing with the following hydrogen-containing substances is likely to cause a fire or explosion: acetic acid, ammonia, benzene, ethanol, 2-pentanone, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, methane, cork, grease paper , wax. Mixing with acids, halogens, ammonium halides, metal halides, metals, nonmetals, or metal oxides at ambient or slightly above ambient temperatures has resulted in violent reactions. Specifically, reacts dangerously with nitric acid, sulfuric acid, chlorine, iodine, ammonium chloride, potassium iodide, boron powder, selenium, tellurium, aluminum powder, bismuth, cobalt powder, iron powder, arsenic, nickel powder, chromium trioxide, charcoal, red phosphorus, sulfur dioxide, magnesium oxide.

Hazard

Corrosive to skin. Very reactive and dan- gerous.

Health Hazard

The vapors of bromine trifluoride are highlyirritating to the eyes, skin, and mucousmembranes. Upon contact with the skin, theliquid can cause severe burns. The toxicitydata for this compound are not available.

Fire Hazard

Behavior in Fire: Forms very toxic and irritating fumes.

Safety Profile

Poisonous and corrosive. Very reactive, a powerful oxidizer. Explosive or violent reaction with organic materials, water, acetone, ammonium halides, antimony, antimony trichloride oxide, arsenic, benzene, boron, bromine, carbon, carbon monoxide, carbon tetrachloride, carbon tetraiodlde, chloromethane, cobalt, ether, halogens, iodine, powdered molybdenum, niobium, 2 pentanone, phosphorus, potassium hexachloroplatinate, pyridine, sihcon, silicone grease, sulfur, tantalum, tin dichloride, titanium, toluene, vanadurn, uranium, uranium hexafluoride. Incompatible with Sb203, BaCl2, Bi205, CdCl2, CaCl2, CsCl, LiCl, MnI03, metals, Nb205, PtBr4, PtCl4, (Pt + KFO), Iar, KCl, KI, RhBr4, RbCl, AgCl, NaBr, NaCl, NaI, Ta205, Sn, W, UO,, rubber, plastics. The product of reaction with pyridine ignites when dry. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Fand Br-. Very dangerous. See also BROMINE

Potential Exposure

Bromine Trifluoride is used as a fluorinating agent and an electrolytic solvent.

Shipping

UN1746 Bromine trifluoride, Hazard class 5.1; Labels: 5.1—Oxidizer, 6.1—Poison Inhalation Hazard, 8— Corrosive material, Inhalation Hazard Zone B.

Incompatibilities

A powerful oxidizer; highly reactive and a dangerous explosion hazard. Contact with water or other hydrogen containing materials forms hydrogen fluoride gas. Reacts with almost all elements except for inert gases. Violent reaction with reducing agents; organic materials; strong acids; strong bases; halogens, salts (antimony salts), metal oxides; and many other materials. Attacks some plastics, rubber, or coatings.

Raw materials

Preparation Products