Fluorine in annual revenue. Due to the danger from direct hydrocarbon–fluorine reactions above −150 °C (−240 °F), industrial fluorocarbon production is indirect, mostly through halogen exchange reactions such as Swarts fluorination, in which chlorocarbon chlorines are substituted for fluorines by hydrogen fluoride under catalysts. Electrochemical fluorination subjects hydrocarbons to electrolysis in hydrogen fluoride, and the Fowler process treats them with solid fluorine carriers like cobalt trifluoride. Halogenated refrigerants, termed Freons in informal contexts, are identified by R-numbers that denote the amount of fluorine, chlorine, carbon, and hydrogen present. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) like R-11, R-12, and R-114 once dominated organofluorines, peaking in production
Bromine pentafluoride an excess of fluorine: For the preparation of smaller amounts, potassium bromide is used: This route yields bromine pentafluoride almost completely free of trifluorides and other impurities. Bromine pentafluoride reacts violently with water, but when moderated by dilution with acetonitrile, it will form bromic acid and hydrofluoric acid, simple hydrolysis products: It is an extremely effective fluorinating agent, converting most uranium compounds to the hexafluoride at room temperature. Bromine pentafluoride is severely corrosive to the skin, and its vapors are irritating to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Exposure to 100 ppm for a few minutes is lethal to most