Hypofluorite

Hypofluorite is a chemical term used to refer to species containing the hypofluorite group, most notably the hypofluorite anion [OF]−, which is the conjugate base of hypofluorous acid HOF. In some contexts the name also appears in reference to the neutral diatomic molecule OF or to related oxyfluoride fragments found in coordination chemistry. The usage of the term can vary among sources.

Structure and bonding: The [OF]− anion consists of an O–F bond with overall charge −1. In simple accounting, oxygen is assigned an oxidation state of −2 and fluorine +1. The bond is highly polar, giving the anion oxidizing character. When bound to metal centers in salts or adducts, the [OF]− unit can act as a ligand and influence the electronic properties of the complex.

Preparation and occurrence: Alkali metal hypofluorites and related salts have been described in inorganic literature, typically prepared in nonaqueous media by metathesis or oxidation chemistry involving fluoride sources. The neutral OF molecule and the related hypofluorous acid HOF are less common in standard conditions and have been observed primarily under specialized experimental setups such as gas-phase experiments or matrix isolation. The chemistry of hypofluorite species is of interest in studies of oxyfluoride chemistry and high-oxidation-state fluorine chemistry.

Reactions and properties: The hypofluorite unit is generally reactive and can participate in oxidation and fluorination processes. It tends to be sensitive to hydrolysis and decomposition in the presence of water, with a tendency to release fluoride and oxygen-containing products under appropriate conditions. In coordination chemistry, it can modify the reactivity of metal centers through its polar, oxidizing nature.

See also: hypofluorous acid, oxygen monofluoride, oxyfluorides.