Chemical Properties
colorless gas; nonflammable; fumes strongly in air; high thermal stability; critical temp 144.5°C; critical pressure 3.39MPa; enthalpy of fusion 12.1 kJ/mol; enthalpy of vaporization 17.2 kJ/mol; can be prepared by reaction of PF3 with F2; used as a polymerization catalyst and in electronics industry [AIR87] [HAW93] [MER06] [CRC10] [KIR78]
General Description
PHOSPHORUS PENTAFLUORIDE(7647-19-0) is a colorless, poisonous, nonflammable, compressed gas with a pungent odor. PHOSPHORUS PENTAFLUORIDE(7647-19-0) is extremely irritating to skin, eyes and mucus membranes. PHOSPHORUS PENTAFLUORIDE(7647-19-0) is very toxic by inhalation and can cause pulmonary edema. Toxic and corrosive fumes are generated when this material is exposed to water or steam. Prolonged exposure of the containers to fire or heat may result in their violent rupturing and rocketing. PHOSPHORUS PENTAFLUORIDE(7647-19-0) is used as a polymerization catalyst.
Reactivity Profile
PHOSPHORUS PENTAFLUORIDE is a colorless, toxic gas, when exposed to air PHOSPHORUS PENTAFLUORIDE strongly fumes. Vigorous reaction with water or steam leads to decomposition (hydrolysis) producing toxic and corrosive fumes. When heated to decomposition PHOSPHORUS PENTAFLUORIDE emits toxic fumes of fluoride and oxides of phosphorus [Lewis, 3rd ed., 1993, p. 1034].
Air & Water Reactions
Fumes strongly in air, with traces of moisture forming POF3 and HF (corrosive). Decomposed in water or moist air to form phosphoric acid and hydrofluoric Acid, corrosive [Merck 11th ed. 1989].
Health Hazard
TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Vapors are extremely irritating and corrosive. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution.
Fire Hazard
Some may burn but none ignite readily. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Some of these materials may react violently with water. Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release toxic and/or corrosive gas through pressure relief devices. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket.
Physical properties
Colorless gas; fumes in air; density 5.527g/L; heavier than air, density in air 4.35 (air=1); liquefies at -84.6°C; freezes at -93.8°C; reacts with water.
Definition
ChEBI: Phosphorus pentafluoride is a phosphorus halide.
Hazard
Phosphorus pentafluoride is a highly toxic gas. Inhalation can cause severe irritation of mucous membrane and pulmonary edema. It is corrosive to skin and can damage eyes.
Waste Disposal
Phosphorus pentafluoride is destroyed by bubbling the gas through a solution of caustic soda (in excess) at a cold temperature. The alkaline mixture is neutralized slowly by dilute HCl and washed down the drain.
