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Identifiers | |||
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3D model (JSmol) | |||
ChemSpider | |||
ECHA InfoCard | 100.033.734 | ||
PubChem CID | |||
RTECS number |
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UNII | |||
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | |||
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Properties | |||
ClF5 | |||
Molar mass | 130.445 g mol−1 | ||
Appearance | colorless gas | ||
Density | 4.5 kg/m3 (g/L) | ||
Melting point | −103 °C (−153 °F; 170 K) | ||
Boiling point | −13.1 °C (8.4 °F; 260.0 K) | ||
Hydrolyzes | |||
Structure | |||
Square pyramidal | |||
Thermochemistry | |||
Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 310.73 J K−1 mol−1 | ||
Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | −238.49 kJ mol−1 | ||
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). |
Chlorine pentafluoride is an interhalogen compound with formula ClF5. This colourless gas is a strong oxidant that was once a candidate oxidizer for rockets. The molecule adopts a square pyramidal structure with C4v symmetry, [1] as confirmed by its high-resolution 19F NMR spectrum. [2] It was first synthesized in 1963. [3]
Some of the earliest research on the preparation was classified. [4] [5] It was first prepared by fluorination of chlorine trifluoride at high temperatures and high pressures: [4]
NiF2 catalyzes this reaction. [6]
Certain metal fluorides, MClF4 (i.e. KClF4, RbClF4, CsClF4), react with F2 to produce ClF5 and the corresponding alkali metal fluoride. [5]
In a highly exothermic reaction, ClF5 reacts with water to produce chloryl fluoride and hydrogen fluoride: [7]
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. [2]
Chlorine pentafluoride was once considered for use as an oxidizer for rockets. As a propellant, it has a higher maximum specific impulse than ClF3, but with the same difficulties in handling. [4] 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.