Chlorine pentafluoride

Preparation

Some of the earliest research on the preparation was classified.{{cite journal |author = Smith D. F. | title = Chlorine Pentafluoride | journal = Science : : : : catalyzes this reaction.

Certain metal fluorides, , e.g. (potassium tetrafluorochlorate(III)), (rubidium tetrafluorochlorate(III)), (caesium tetrafluorochlorate(III)), react with to produce and the corresponding alkali metal fluoride.

Reactions

In a highly exothermic reaction, reacts with water to produce chloryl fluoride and hydrogen fluoride: :

It is also a strong fluorinating agent. At room temperature it reacts readily with all elements (including otherwise "inert" elements like platinum and gold) except noble gases, nitrogen, oxygen and fluorine.

Uses

Rocket propellant

Chlorine pentafluoride was once considered for use as an oxidizer for rockets. As a propellant, it has a higher maximum specific impulse than , but with the same difficulties in handling. Due to the hazardous nature of chlorine pentafluoride and the large amounts of hydrogen fluoride in the exhaust, it has yet to be used in a large scale rocket propulsion system.

Safety

Chlorine pentafluoride is highly toxic. It is a strong irritant to skin, eyes and mucous membranes. It is very corrosive. Causes severe and painful skin, eye and respiratory tract burns. May cause lung damage, toxic pneumonitis and permanent blindness. It is fatal if inhaled or absorbed through skin. Containers with chlorine pentafluoride may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket violently. Chlorine pentafluoride causes other symptoms like nausea, vomiting and dyspnea.

Chlorine pentafluoride reacts violently with water or moisture in the air and even water ice at −100 C (to produce corrosive hydrofluoric acid and toxic chlorine gas), nitric acid (even at −100 °C), metals and organic materials. It is a strong oxidizer. It does not burn, but supports burning. On catching fire or heated to decomposition, it emits corrosive and very toxic gases. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along the floor. These are strong oxidizers and will react vigorously or explosively with many materials including fuels. May ignite flammable materials (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).

References

References

1. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/0061654
2. {{Greenwood&Earnshaw2nd
3. (23 May 2018). "Ignition!: An Informal History of Liquid Rocket Propellants". Rutgers University Press.
4. (1981). "On the Synthesis of Chlorine Pentafluoride". Journal of Fluorine Chemistry.
5. {{Greenwood&Earnshaw2nd
6. https://www.chemicalbook.com/ChemicalProductProperty_EN_CB4364157.htm