difluorophosphoric
Difluorophosphoric acid is a chemical compound with the formula HPO2F2. It is a strong acid and a member of the halophosphoric acid family. Difluorophosphoric acid is a colorless liquid that is highly corrosive. It can be prepared by the reaction of phosphorus pentoxide with hydrogen fluoride. It is also formed as a byproduct in some industrial processes. The compound is known to hydrolyze readily in water, producing phosphoric acid and hydrofluoric acid. Due to its corrosive nature, handling difluorophosphoric acid requires significant precautions, including the use of protective clothing and working in a well-ventilated area. Its applications are limited due to its reactivity, but it can be used in certain specialized chemical syntheses. The difluorophosphate anion, PO2F2-, is the conjugate base of difluorophosphoric acid. This anion is isoelectronic with sulfate and perchlorate. Difluorophosphates are generally soluble in water.