bismuth v fluoride is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula BiF5. It contains five bismuth-fluorine bonds. It is a strong oxidizer and fluorinating agent that adds fluoride ions to other chemicals. It is used in a variety of applications from metal production to polarography.
Bismuth pentafluoride is a white crystalline solid that is highly reactive. It is an attractive reagent and catalyst in organic synthesis owing to its low cost, and ease of handling. It is also used in polarography and the manufacture of pharmaceuticals.
It is a pnictogen halide that derives from a hydride of bismuth. It has a number of covalent bonds and is mainly ionic. It is a member of the nitrogen containing group.
It can be prepared by dissolving the oxide or hydroxide of bismuth in aqueous HF. It may also be prepared by reduction of BiF5 with CO2 in very dil H2 at 80-150deg. The resulting substance is a dimorphic phosphate that is white to gray in color, mp 725-730deg and volatilizes at higher temperatures slowly and without decompn. It is soluble in concd HF with the formation of complexes. It is a good reducing agent in the reduction of bismuth oxide to bismuth hydroxide.
