Indium(III) fluoride

Indium(III) fluoride, also known as indium trifluoride, is a chemical compound with the formula InF₃. It is one of the fluorides of indium, a post-transition metal that is not found free in nature but can be produced from its ores, mainly from sphalerite. Indium(III) fluoride is used in a variety of applications, including in the synthesis of other chemical compounds and in electronics.

Properties

Indium(III) fluoride is a white or off-white crystalline solid at room temperature. It has a high melting point, which makes it stable at room temperature. The compound is soluble in water, and its solubility increases with temperature. In aqueous solution, it hydrolyzes to form hydrofluoric acid (HF) and indium hydroxide (In(OH)₃), indicating its acidic nature.

Synthesis

Indium(III) fluoride can be synthesized by reacting indium metal with fluorine gas. The reaction is highly exothermic and produces pure indium(III) fluoride:

\[2 \, \text{In} + 3 \, \text{F}_2 \rightarrow 2 \, \text{InF}_3\]

Another method involves the reaction of indium(III) oxide (In₂O₃) with hydrofluoric acid (HF), yielding indium(III) fluoride and water as by-products:

\[In_2O_3 + 6 \, \text{HF} \rightarrow 2 \, \text{InF}_3 + 3 \, \text{H}_2O\]

Applications

Indium(III) fluoride is primarily used in the synthesis of other indium compounds. It serves as a fluorinating agent in organic chemistry, where it is used to introduce fluorine atoms into organic molecules. This is particularly useful in the pharmaceutical industry, where fluorine is often incorporated into drugs to modify their properties.

In the electronics industry, indium(III) fluoride is used in the manufacture of semiconductors and other electronic components. It can be used in the deposition of thin films by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or physical vapor deposition (PVD) techniques.

Safety

Indium(III) fluoride is considered to be hazardous. It is corrosive to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Inhalation of its dust or fumes can cause respiratory tract irritation. Proper safety equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and appropriate ventilation, should be used when handling this compound.

See also

• Indium
• Fluorine
• Chemical synthesis
• Semiconductor