IPCS INCHEM Home
CHLORINE TRIFLUORIDEICSC: 0656 (September 1997)
Chlorine fluoride
Chlorotrifluoride
CAS #: 7790-91-2
UN #: 1749
EC Number: 232-230-4

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Not combustible but enhances combustion of other substances. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion.  Risk of fire and explosion on contact with water or organic materials.  NO contact with flammables. NO contact with water.    In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.  In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. NO direct contact with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position. 

 AVOID ALL CONTACT!  
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Burning sensation. Cough. Sore throat. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath.  Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin Redness. Serious skin burns. Pain. Blisters.  Protective gloves. Protective clothing.  First rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again. Refer for medical attention . 
Eyes Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns. Loss of vision.  Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion      

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: complete protective clothing SPECIFICALLY RECOMMENDED AS EFFECTIVE AGAINST Chlorine trifluoride, including self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Turn off gas at source if possible. NEVER direct water jet on liquid. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

 

Transportation
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 2.3; UN Subsidiary Risks: 5.1 and 8 

STORAGE
Fireproof. Separated from combustible substances, reducing agents and food and feedstuffs. Cool. Dry. 
PACKAGING
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs and combustible materials. 
CHLORINE TRIFLUORIDE ICSC: 0656
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
NEARLY COLOURLESS COMPRESSED LIQUEFIED GAS WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. 

Physical dangers
The gas is heavier than air. 

Chemical dangers
Decomposes above 220°C . This produces toxic gases of chlorine and fluorine compounds. Reacts violently with water and glass. Reacts with all forms of plastics, rubber and resins, except the highly fluorinated polymers. Most combustible materials ignite spontaneously on contact with this substance. Reacts violently with oxidizable materials, metals and metal oxides. Contact with organic materials causes explosion. Contact with acids causes emission of highly toxic fumes. 

Formula: ClF3
Molecular mass: 92.5
Boiling point: 12°C
Melting point: -76°C
Solubility in water: reaction
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.18  


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Inhalation may cause lung oedema. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated. See Notes. 

Inhalation risk
A harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly on loss of containment. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 0.1 ppm as STEL 

ENVIRONMENT
 

NOTES
Thorough flushing with an inert gas should precede any opening of apparatus that has contained chlorine trifluoride.
Reacts violently with fire extinguishing agents such as water.
The occupational exposure limit value should not be exceeded during any part of the working exposure.
The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential.
Immediate administration of an appropriate inhalation therapy by a doctor, or by an authorized person, should be considered.
Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available.
Insufficient data are available on the effect of this substance on human health, therefore utmost care must be taken.
Do NOT spray water on a leaking cylinder (to prevent corrosion of the cylinder).
See ICSC 0283. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
 

All rights reserved. The published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Neither ILO nor WHO nor the European Commission shall be responsible for the interpretation and use of the information contained in this material.


    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations