Iodyl fluoride

Iodyl fluoride is an inorganic compound of iodine, fluorine, and oxygen with the chemical formula IO₂F. The compound was initially synthesized in 1951.

Synthesis

• Iodyl fluoride can be decomposed by iodosyl trifluoride heated to 110 °C in nitrogen. Since this reaction is reversible, the reaction requires constant removal of iodine pentafluoride.

2IOF₃ ⇌ IO₂F IF₅

• Dissolving the anhydride of iodic acid, I₂O₅, in anhydrous hydrofluoric acid.

I₂O₅ HF → IO₂F HIO₃

Physical properties

Iodyl fluoride forms colorless crystals of orthorhombic system. Reacts with water.

Chemical properties

Iodyl fluoride is stable in dry air, but slowly hydrolyzes to iodic and hydrofluoric acids in moisture.

IO₂F H₂O → HIO₃ HF

The compound reacts with strong fluorinating agents such as bromine trifluoride and selenium tetrafluoride to form iodine pentafluoride. Iodyl fluoride can be reduced to elemental iodine by pure hydrogen peroxide.

3IO₂F 4BrF₃ → 3IF₅ 2Br₂ 3O₂

IO₂F 2SeF₄ → IF₅ 2SeOF₂

References