Bromine trifluoride facts for kids
Bromine trifluoride is a special kind of chemical compound. Think of it as a tiny building block made from two different elements: bromine and fluorine. Its chemical formula is BrF3, which tells us it has one bromine atom and three fluorine atoms joined together. In this compound, the bromine atom has a specific electrical charge, called an oxidation state, of +3.
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What is Bromine Trifluoride Like?
Bromine trifluoride is a bright yellow liquid. It's quite reactive, especially with water! If it touches water, it reacts strongly, so it needs to be handled carefully. This compound can also be dissolved in strong sulfuric acid. Interestingly, it can conduct electricity, which is not common for all liquids. It also has the ability to dissolve other compounds that contain fluorine.
How is it Made?
Scientists create bromine trifluoride by mixing cold fluorine gas with bromine. It's important that the fluorine is cold. If the fluorine is hot, a different compound called bromine pentafluoride is formed instead.
What is it Used For?
Bromine trifluoride is used in the process of making uranium useful. It helps to create a substance called uranium hexafluoride. This is an important step in preparing uranium for various uses, including generating energy in power plants.
Related Compounds
See also
In Spanish: Trifluoruro de bromo para niños
