Bromine Trifluoride

Bromine trifluoride, also known as bromine(III) fluoride, is a chemical compound with the formula BrF3. It is a yellowish-brown liquid at room temperature and is a powerful oxidizing agent.

Bromine trifluoride can be prepared by reacting bromine with fluorine gas at high temperatures and pressures. It can also be synthesized by the reaction of bromine pentafluoride with elemental bromine.

The molecule has a trigonal bipyramidal shape, with the two lone pairs of electrons occupying two of the equatorial positions. The bond angles in the molecule are approximately 86.2° for the equatorial positions and 120° for the axial positions.

Bromine trifluoride is a highly reactive substance that can react violently with water, organic materials, and even metals such as aluminum and magnesium. It is used as a fluorinating agent in organic synthesis, as a catalyst in halogenation reactions, and as an oxidizing agent in some industrial processes.

Special precautions should be taken when handling bromine trifluoride due to its toxicity and reactivity. It should only be handled in a well-ventilated area and protective equipment, such as gloves and eye protection, should always be worn.