Thorium oxyfluoride is an inorganic compound of

thorium Thorium is a weakly radioactive metallic chemical element with the symbol Th and atomic number 90. Thorium is silvery and tarnishes black when it is exposed to air, forming thorium dioxide; it is moderately soft and malleable and has a high ...

metal, fluorine, and

oxygen Oxygen is the chemical element with the symbol O and atomic number 8. It is a member of the chalcogen group in the periodic table, a highly reactive nonmetal, and an oxidizing agent that readily forms oxides with most elements as ...

with the chemical formula .

Synthesis

*Thorium oxyfluoride can be prepared from partial hydrolysis of

thorium tetrafluoride Thorium(IV) fluoride ( Th F4) is an inorganic chemical compound. It is a white hygroscopic powder which can be produced by reacting thorium with fluorine gas. At temperatures above 500 °C, it reacts with atmospheric moisture to produce Th ...

in moist air at elevated temperatures, about 1000 °C. ::ThF4 + H2O -> ThOF2 + 2HF * Reaction of

with

thorium dioxide Thorium dioxide (ThO2), also called thorium(IV) oxide, is a crystalline solid, often white or yellow in colour. Also known as thoria, it is produced mainly as a by-product of lanthanide and uranium production. Thorianite is the name of the minera ...

at 600 °C: ::ThF4 + ThO2 -> 2ThOF2

Physical properties

The compound forms white, insoluble amorphous powder.

Uses

The compound is used as a protective coating on reflective surfaces.

References

{{Fluorine compounds Thorium compounds Oxyfluorides