Oxygen Difluoride

Poison by inhalation. Human systemic effects by inhalation: chronic pulmonary edema or congestion. A corrosive skin, eye, and mucous membrane irritant. Attacks lungs with delayed appearance of symptoms. A very powerful oxidizer. Must be kept away from contact with reducing agents. Explosive reaction with adsorbents (e.g., silica gel, alumina, molecular sieve), diborane, halogens + heat, metal halides, aluminum chloride, antimony pentachloride (at 150°C), tungsten + heat, hydrogen sulfide, liquid nitrogen oxide, nitrosyl fluoride, charcoal, sulfur tetrafluoride. Forms spark-sensitive explosive mixtures with water or combustible gases (e.g., carbon monoxide, hydrogen, methane). Ignites on contact with diborane tetrafluoride, nonmetals (e.g., red phosphorus, boron powder, silicon), phosphorus(V) oxide, nitrogen oxide gas. Incandescent reaction with metals (e.g., aluminum, barium, cadmium, magnesium, strontium, zinc, zirconium, lithium (above 400°C)), potassium (above 400°C), sodium. Incompatible with NH3, As2O3, Cl2 + Cu, CrO3, Ir, O3, O2 + H2O, Pd, Pt, Rh, Ru, SiO2. When heated to decomposition it emits highly toxic fumes of F−. See also FLUORIDES.