The main use of sulfur tetrachloride is to provide fluoride to compounds with hydroxyl and carbonyl functional groups, producing corresponding fluorocarbons. This reaction is useful for making water- and oil- repelling materials for polymers, and in producing high-lubricity elastomers, with some applications in pharmaceuticals and herbicides.
As a highly corrosive gas, it is difficult to handle, and this application is being phased out in favor of reactions utilizing diethylaminosulfur trifluoride. This compound however is produced using sulfur tetrachloride, which is prepared using sulfur tetrachloride.
