Chlorine trifluoride

Chlorine (III ) fluoride

Colorless gas

Gaseous

3.57 kg · m -3 ( gas density at 0 ° C)

-76.31 ° C

11.8 ° C

1.42 kPa ( 20 ° C)

Hydrolyzed in water

Risk

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Production and representation

Trifluoride can be prepared from the elements fluorine and chlorine at 400 ° C.

Properties

Chlorine trifluoride is a colorless to pale yellow gas that passes at about 12 ° C in the liquid state, and solidifies at -76.3 ° C. The gas has in diluted form a sweet, highly irritant in higher concentrations odor. With water chlorine trifluoride reacts explosively with oxygen release. Chemically, chlorine trifluoride behaves as a strong oxidizing agent, it uses metals with fluoride education. The further reaction with metals depends on whether the fluoride layer formed is stable; for copper this is the case, so that the manufacture takes place in copper vessels. Non-metals do not form a protective layer, but are set on fire. Glass destroyed it immediately, in the presence of traces of moisture quartz also. Organic compounds tend to react under fire phenomenon.

Chlorine trifluoride also attacks the fillers of the respirator filter (activated carbon).

Use

Chlorine trifluoride can be used for the fluorination. In addition, it is added to increase the combustion temperature, welding gases and was produced during World War II under the cover name " N- substance" in Germany, where the use was considered as a chemical warfare agent or as incendiary agents into consideration. The high energy content of the compound and its boiling point suggest use as a storable, high-energy oxidizer in rocket technology, but this application was never due to handling problems out beyond the experimental stage. Because of the ease of handling as compared with fluorine is used as the fluorinating agent in the uranium hexafluoride production. In addition, it is used in the manufacture of microelectronics and sensors.

Toxicology

As an inhalation poison, it affects the entire respiratory tract. The consequences are bloating and swelling of the lungs, burns of the upper respiratory system, leading to purulent bronchitis. High concentrations lead to severe cough and severe lung damage. Gaseous chlorine (III ) fluoride attacks the eyes very strong; the lesions lead to corneal clouding.