ARSENIC TRIFLUORIDE

Chemical properties

Mobile liquid that fumes in air.

Physical properties

Arsenic trifluoride is a colorless oily liquid; fumes in air; etches glass; density 2.666 g/ml at 0°C; boils at 60.4°C; vapor pressure 100 torr at 13.2°C; solidifies at -8.5°C; decomposes in water; soluble in alcohol, ether, benzene and ammonia solution.

The Uses of ARSENIC TRIFLUORIDE

Fluorinating reagent, catalyst, ion implantation source, and dopant.

Preparation

Arsenic trifluoride is prepared by reaction of arsenic trioxide with fluorosulfonic acid. Also it may be prepared by treating arsenic trioxide with a mixture of sulfuric acid and calcium fluoride.

Hazard

Extremely toxic.

Safety Profile

Confirmed human carcinogen. A poison by inhalation. Strong reaction with P203. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of As and F-. See also FLUORIDES and ARSENIC COMPOUNDS.