brf

BrF, or bromine monofluoride, is a chemical compound consisting of bromine and fluorine in a 1:1 ratio. It is classified as an interhalogen compound and is part of a family of covalently bonded bromine–fluorine species that are highly reactive and used as fluorinating agents in inorganic and organic synthesis.

Preparation and handling are typically conducted under carefully controlled laboratory conditions. BrF is most commonly produced by direct reaction of bromine with fluorine gas, often at low temperatures to minimize formation of heavier interhalogen fluorides. In practice, BrF is frequently generated in situ or purified under stringent conditions due to its high reactivity and tendency to form other bromine fluorides.

Molecular structure and properties: BrF is a diatomic molecule with a single Br–F bond. It is volatile and highly reactive, serving as a source of electrophilic fluorine in chemical reactions. BrF can participate in further fluorination, enabling the formation of higher bromine fluorides such as BrF3 and BrF5 under appropriate conditions. It is less stable than many common inorganic compounds and decomposes or reacts when heated or exposed to impurities.

Applications: BrF is used as a fluorinating reagent in inorganic synthesis and in research settings to study interhalogen chemistry and fluorination mechanisms. It can act as a precursor to other bromine fluorides and as a selective fluorinating agent in specialized transformations.

Safety: BrF is highly toxic, corrosive, and a strong oxidizer. It reacts violently with water and many organic materials, releasing corrosive byproducts such as hydrogen fluoride. Proper handling requires dedicated apparatus, inert or controlled atmospheres, and appropriate protective equipment under a fume hood.

See also: Interhalogen compounds; bromine fluorides; fluorinating agents.