Bromine pentafluoride
Bromine pentafluoride is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is BrF5. It contains bromine and fluoride ions. The bromine is in its +5 oxidation state.
Properties
[change | change source]Bromine pentafluoride is a pale yellow liquid. It is a powerful oxidizing agent. It reacts with water to make bromic acid and hydrofluoric acid.
Preparation
[change | change source]It can be made by reacting hot bromine with fluorine. This makes some bromine trifluoride. Potassium bromide can be reacted with fluorine. This makes bromine pentafluoride and potassium fluoride.
Uses
[change | change source]It is used to look at the isotopes of oxygen. It can add fluoride ions to other chemical compounds. It can be used as an oxidizing agent in rockets. It can be used as poison as well.
Safety
[change | change source]Bromine pentafluoride is very corrosive. Just a little kills most animals. It can ignite powdered metals.