Interhalogen Interhalogen An interhalogen compound is a molecule which contains two or more different halogen atoms (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, or astatine) and no atoms of elements from any other group. Most interhalogen compounds known are binary (composed of only two distinct elements). Their formulae are generally XY, where "n" = 1, 3, 5 or 7, and X is the less electronegative of the two halogens. They are all prone to hydrolysis, and ionize to give rise to polyhalogen ions. Those formed with astatine have a very short half-life due to astatine being intensely radioactive. No interhalogen compounds containing three or
Bromine pentafluoride Bromine pentafluoride Bromine pentafluoride, BrF, is an interhalogen compound and a fluoride of bromine. It is a strong fluorination reagent. BrF finds use in oxygen isotope analysis. Laser ablation of solid silicates in the presence of bromine pentafluoride releases O for subsequent analysis. It has also been tested as an oxidizer in liquid rocket propellants and is used as a fluorinating agent in the processing of uranium. Bromine pentafluoride was first prepared in 1931 by the direct reaction of bromine with fluorine. This reaction is suitable for the preparation of large quantities, and is carried out at temperatures over with