What is Antimony trifluoride?
[[File:Antimony trifluoride.jpg|thumb|Antimony trifluoride]] '''Antimony trifluoride''', also known as '''antimony(III) fluoride''' or '''Swart's reagent''', is a [[chemical compound]]. Its chemical formula is SbF<sub>3</sub>. It has [[antimony]] and [[fluoride]] [[ion]]s in it. The antimony is in its +3 [[oxidation state]]. ==Properties== Antimony trifluoride is a light gray solid. It dissolves easily in water. It is very [[corrosive]]. It has a strong odor. ==Preparation== It is made by reacting [[antimony trioxide]] with concentrated [[hydrofluoric acid]] or by reacting antimony with a little [[fluorine]]. ==Uses== It is used to add [[fluoride]] ions to other chemical compounds in [[organic chemistry]]. A Belgian chemist reacted a [[chloride]] with antimony trifluoride and [[chlorine]] to make a fluoride from the chloride. It was used to make [[Freon]]. It is also used in [[pottery]] and [[dye]]ing. ==Safety== Antimony trifluoride is highly corrosive. It is acidic and can burn the [[digestive system]]. It also makes [[ulcer]]s. ==Related pages== *[[Bismuth trifluoride]] *[[Antimony tribromide]] [[Category:Antimony compounds]] [[Category:Fluorine compounds]]