Bromine trifluoride

Synonyms

Bromine fluoride; [ChemIDplus] UN1746

Category

Oxidizers

Description

A colorless to yellow, fuming liquid with a pungent odor; mp = 8.77 deg C; [CAMEO] Yellow or gray liquid with an extremely irritating odor; [Airgas MSDS]

Sources/Uses

Used as a solvent and fluorinating agent; Used in uranium enrichment and fuel element reprocessing; [HSDB]

Comments

Highly corrosive to skin; [Quick CPC] 100 ppm is a lethal concentration for some laboratory animals. High inhalation exposure can induce pulmonary edema. [HSDB] Reacts explosively with water evolving oxygen; Can cause severe burns to skin and eyes; A severe respiratory tract irritant; [CAMEO] Highly reactive and smokes in air; Corrosive and irritating; [Merck Index] Reacts violently with water producing hydrogen fluoride gas; Causes severe burns to skin and eyes; Inhalation causes severe upper respiratory tract irritation; [CHRIS] A strong oxidizing agent that can cause fire on contact with combustible materials; Reacts with water evolving flammable and toxic gases; Corrosive to skin, eye, and respiratory tract; May be fatal by inhalation; [Airgas MSDS]

Biomedical References

Yes

Yes

Explanatory Notes

VP =18 mm Hg at 39 degrees C; [HSDB] Some “Water Reactive Materials” are also TIH materials themselves: Bromine trifluoride; [ERG 2016]

will not burn

Yes

Skin burns

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Pneumonitis, toxic

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Toxic Gas from Spilling Chemical in Water