Chlorine trifluoride

Chlorine trifluoride is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is ClF₃. It contains chlorine and fluoride ions. The chlorine is in its +3 oxidation state.

Properties

Chlorine trifluoride is a colorless gas, but it can be compressed to a light yellow liquid. Chlorine trifluoride is normally sold compressed. It is an interhalogen, and is very reactive. It can burn plastics, sand,^[1] skin, hydrogen sulfide, metals, phosphorus, and sulfur. Since it is a much stronger oxidizing agent than oxygen, it can burn things that normally can't burn, like concrete or sand. It reacts with water very violently to make hydrofluoric acid and hydrochloric acid. It can ignite glass after being in it for a while.

Preparation

Chlorine trifluoride is made by reacting chlorine with fluorine. This makes other chlorine fluorides which have to be taken out.

Uses

Chlorine trifluoride is used to make uranium hexafluoride by reacting it with uranium metal. It was looked at as a rocket propellant. It was also looked at as a poison gas. It is too difficult to make and store, though. Chlorine trifluoride can be used to clean areas where semiconductors are made.

Safety

Chlorine trifluoride is extremely toxic and dangerous. It is one of the most dangerous chemicals there is. It can catch many things on fire, including things that are usually non-flammable, such as asbestos, concrete, and glass. The fires are almost impossible to put out. It reacts with most things.

Related pages

References

↑ OSHA. "Occupational Safety and Health Guidelines for Chlorine Trifluoride". OSHA. Archived from the original on 22 March 2011. Retrieved 25 November 2010.

[1] OSHA. "Occupational Safety and Health Guidelines for Chlorine Trifluoride". OSHA. Archived from the original on 22 March 2011. Retrieved 25 November 2010.

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