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Chlorine trifluoride

Synonyms & Trade Names
Chlorine fluoride, Chlorotrifluoride
CAS No.
7790-91-2
RTECS No.
DOT ID & Guide
1749 124
Formula
ClF₃
Conversion
1 ppm = 3.78 mg/m³
IDLH
12 ppm
See: 2020-124
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
C 0.1 ppm (0.4 mg/m³)
OSHA PEL
C 0.1 ppm (0.4 mg/m³)
Measurement Methods
None available
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description
Colorless gas or a greenish-yellow liquid (below 53°F) with a somewhat sweet, suffocating odor. [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.]
Molecular Weight
92.5
Boiling Point
53°F
Freezing Point
-105°F
Solubility
Reacts
Vapor Pressure
1.4 atm
Ionization Potential
13.00 eV
Specific Gravity
1.77 (Liquid at 53°F)
Flash Point
NA
Upper Explosive Limit
NA
Lower Explosive Limit
NA
Relative Gas Density
3.21
Nonflammable Gas Noncombustible Liquid, but contact with organic materials may result in SPONTANEOUS ignition.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Oxidizers, water, acids, combustible materials, sand, glass, metals (corrosive) [Note: Reacts with water to form chlorine & hydrofluoric acid.]
Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion (liquid), skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
Eye, skin burns (liquid or high vapor concentration); resp irritation; In Animals: lacrimation (discharge of tears), corneal ulcer; pulmonary edema
Target Organs
Skin, eyes, respiratory system
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated (liquid)
Remove:When wet or contaminated (liquid)
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Eyewash (liquid), Quick drench (liquid)
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Water flush immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately (liquid)
Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH/OSHA

Up to 2.5 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode£

Up to 5 ppm:
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece

Up to 20 ppm:
(APF = 2000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode

 

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:


(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also
INTRODUCTION   ICSC CARD: 0656   MEDICAL TESTS: 0046
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019