Bromine pentafluoride

Description

Bromine pentafluoride is colorless to pale yellow liquid, with pungent odor. At temperatures above boilingpoint this chemical is a colorless gas. Molecularweight=174.92; Specific gravity (H2O:1)=2.48; Relative vapor density (air=1)=6.1; Boiling point=40.5℃;Freezing/Melting point=- 61℃; Vapor pressure 5328 mmHg at 20℃. Hazard Identification (based on NFPA-704 M Rating System): Health 4, Flammability 0,Reactivity 3 . Reacts explosively with water.

Chemical properties

colourless fuming liquid

Chemical properties

Bromine pentafluoride is colorless to pale yellow fuming liquid, with pungent odor. At temperatures above boiling point this chemical is a colorless gas.

Physical properties

Colorless to pale yellow liquid; fumes in air; density 2.466 g/mL at 25°C; boils at 40.8°C; decomposes above 460°C; solidifies at -60.5°C; reacts violently with water.

The Uses of Bromine pentafluoride

Bromine pentafluoride (BrF5) is very corrosive to the skin and explodes when in contact with water. It is used as an oxidizer in rocket fuel.

The Uses of Bromine pentafluoride

Synthesis, oxidizer in liquid rocket propellants.

The Uses of Bromine pentafluoride

There is very little commercial applicationof this compound. It is sometimes used as afluorinating agent and an oxidizer.

Preparation

Bromine pentafluoride is prepared by fluorination of bromine at 200°C. The reaction is carried out in an iron or copper vessel. The halogens are diluted in nitrogen.

Definition

ChEBI: Bromine pentafluoride is an interhalogen compound.

General Description

A colorless, fuming liquid with a pungent odor. Used to make other chemicals and in rockets. Very toxic by inhalation. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Will accelerate the burning of combustible material. If the containers are involved in a fire they may rupture violently and rocket.

Air & Water Reactions

Produces corrosive fumes in moist air. Reacts explosively upon contact with water. Very reactive, usually with conflagration [Merck, 11th ed. 1989]. Reaction with water is violent, oxygen being evolved, [Mellor 2 Supp. 1:172 1956].

Reactivity Profile

Bromine pentafluoride an oxidizing agent. Is decomposed exothermically by water to hydrofluoric acid and other materials. Reacts with these other hydrogen-containing substances (among others) vigorously enough to cause a fire or explosion: acetic acid, ammonia, benzene, ethanol, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, methane, cork, grease paper, wax. Mixtures with acids, halogens, metal halides, metals, nonmetals, or metal oxides at ambient or slightly above ambient temperatures have resulted in violent reaction (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. Solutions of acetonitrile and 9% Bromine pentafluoride have been found to decompose violently at ambient temperatures. Mixtures of perchloryl perchlorate and Bromine pentafluoride form shock sensitive explosives. [Bretherick, 5th ed., 1995, p. 640].

Hazard

Corrosive to skin and tissue. Explodes on contact with water. Eye and upper respiratory tract irritant.

Health Hazard

Chemical is highly corrosive and toxic. Inhalation causes severe burns of mucous membrane. Ingestion causes severe burns of mouth. Contact with eyes or skin causes severe burns.

Health Hazard

Bromine pentafluoride is more active andtoxic than elemental fluorine or bromine tri-fluoride. The liquid is severely corrosive tothe skin. The vapors are highly irritatingto the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes.Exposure to 500 ppm vapor caused gasp ing, swelling of eyelids, cloudiness of thecornea, lacrimation, salivation, and respira tory distress in test animals (ACGIH 1986).A few minutes’ exposure to 100 ppm waslethal to most experimental animals. Chronicexposure can cause nephrosis and hepatosis.Ingestion of a few drops can cause severecorrosion and burn the mouth.

Fire Hazard

Noncombustible liquid; stable to heat, shock, and electric spark. However, bromine penta- fluoride is a highly reactive substance. It reacts explosively with water, producing toxic and corrosive fumes. It decomposes in contact with acids, producing toxic fumes of bromine and fluorine. The reaction is violent, especially with concentrated nitric or sulfuric acid.
Bromine pentafluoride reacts violently with organic materials, such as carboxylic acids, alcohols, ethers, hydrocarbons, grease,wax, and cellulose. Spontaneous flaming and/or explosion can occur when mixed with these or any other organic compound. Reac tions with metals in powder form and/or upon warming can result in a violent explo sion. Ignition occurs under cold condition. Violent reactions occur with metal halides, oxides, and sulfides. Bromide pentafluo ride ignites when mixed with iodine and explodes with chlorine on heating. Mixtures of bromine pentafluoride with sulfur, phos phorus, and carbon ignite.
Avoid using water in the case of fire, since the compound explodes with water. How ever, water may be used from a safe distance to extinguish a fire involving large amounts of combustible materials, and to keep the fire- exposed containers cool. Fires involving small amounts of combustible material may be extinguished by CO2 or a dry chemical (NFPA 1997).

Safety Profile

A poisonous, corrosive, and extremely reactive gas. It is a powerful oxidizer. Will react with water or steam to produce toxic and corrosive fumes. The liquefied gas reacts violently with many organic compounds and some inorganic compounds. Explodes or ignites on contact with hydrogen-containing materials (e.g., acetic acid, ammonia, benzene, ethanol, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, methane, cork, grease, paper, wax, chloromethane). Reacts violently and may i p t e on contact with acids, halogens, nonmetals, metal hahdes, metals, oxides, concentrated nitric or sulfuric acids, aluminum powder, ammonium chloride, antimony, arsenic, arsenic pentoxide, barium, bismuth, boron powder, boron trioxide, calcium oxide, carbon monoxide, charcoal, chlorine, chromium, chromium trioxide, cobalt powder, iodine, iodne pentoxide, iridium powder, iron powder, lithium powder, manganese, magnesium oxide, molybdenum, molybdenum trioxide, nickel powder, red phosphorus, phosphorus pentoxide, selenium, sulfur, sulfur dioxide, tellurium, tungsten, tungsten trioxide, water, zinc. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of Fand Br-. See also BROMINE and FLUORIDES.

Potential Exposure

Bromine pentafluoride is used as an oxidizer in liquid rocket propellant combinations; it may be used in chemical synthesis.

First aid

If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the skin,remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately withsoap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If thischemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart actionhas stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility. Whenthis chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Ifvictim is conscious, administer water or milk. Do not inducevomiting. Medical observation is recommended for 24
48 hafter breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may bedelayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor or authorized paramedic may consider administering a corticosteroidspray.

storage

Color Code—Red Stripe: Flammability Hazard:Store separately from all other flammable materials. Priorto working with bromine pentafluoride you should betrained on its proper handling and storage. Store in tightlyclosed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from water, steam, acids, acid fumes, and combustibles. Metalcontainers involving the transfer of this chemical should begrounded and bonded. Drums must be equipped with selfclosing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters.Use only nonsparking tools and equipment, especially whenopening and closing containers of this chemical. Sources ofignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibitedwhere this chemical is used, handled, or stored in a mannerthat could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. SeeOSHA Standard 1910.104 and NFPA 43A Code for theStorage of Liquid and Solid Oxidizers for detailed handlingand storage regulations.

Shipping

UN1745 Bromine pentafluoride 5.1; Labels: 5.1—Oxidizer, 6.1—Poison Inhalation Hazard, 8— Corrosive material, Inhalation Hazard Zone A.

Purification Methods

Purify it via its KF complex, as described for chlorine trifluoride. [Kwasnik in Handbook of Preparative Inorganic Chemistry (Ed. Brauer) Academic Press Vol I pp 158-159 1963.] HIGHLY TOXIC.

Incompatibilities

A powerful oxidizer. Bromine pentafluoride reacts with every known element except inert gases, nitrogen, and oxygen. It reacts violently with water, acids, acid fumes (releasing highly toxic fumes of bromine and fluorine). Incompatible with halogens, arsenic, selenium, alkaline halides, sulfur, iodine, glass, metallic halides, metal oxides, and metals (except copper, stainless steel; nickel, and Monel). Fire may result from contact with combustibles or organic matter at room temperature, and contact of this substance with water produces an explosion. Even under mild conditions this substance attacks organic compounds vigorously, often causing explosion. Decomposes in heat above 460° C.

Waste Disposal

Allow gas to flow into mixed caustic soda and slaked lime solution. Return unwanted cylinders to supplier if possible.