Antimony pentafluoride

Antimony(V) fluoride liquid phase.

Antimony pentafluoride, also known as antimony(V) fluoride, is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is SbF5. It has five antimony-fluorine bonds. The antimony is in its +5 oxidation state.

Properties

Antimony pentafluoride is a colorless thick liquid. It is an extremely powerful oxidizing agent and very reactive. It can oxidize oxygen in the present of fluorine. This is not normal as oxygen normally oxidizes other things; it does not get oxidized. It can make very strong acids when mixed with hydrogen fluoride. It was used in the first reaction that used fluorides to make fluorine.

Preparation

It is made by reacting antimony pentoxide or antimony pentachloride with hydrofluoric acid. It can also be made by reacting antimony trifluoride with fluorine.

Uses

It is used to make very strong acids.

Safety

Antimony pentafluoride reacts with most chemical compounds. It is extremely corrosive and poisonous.

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