Silver(II) Fluoride - Uses

Uses

AgF₂ is a strong fluorinating and oxidising agent. It is formed as an intermediate in the catalysis of gaseous reactions with fluorine by silver. With fluoride ions, it forms complex ions such as AgF−
3, the blue-violet AgF2−
4, and AgF4−
6.

It is used in the fluorination and preparation of organic perfluorocompounds. This type of reaction can occur in three different ways (here Z refers to any element or group attached to carbon, X is a halogen):

1. CZ₃H + 2 AgF₂ → CZ₃F +HF + 2 AgF
2. CZ₃X + 2AgF₂ → CZ₃F +X₂ + 2 AgF
3. Z₂C=CZ₂ + 2 AgF₂ → Z₂CFCFZ₂ + 2 AgF

Similar transformations can also be effected using other high valence metallic fluorides such as CoF₃, MnF₃, CeF₄, and PbF₄.

AgF₂ is also used in the fluorination of aromatic compounds, although selective monofluorinations are more difficult:

C₆H₆ + 2 AgF₂ → C₆H₅F + 2 AgF + HF

AgF₂ oxidises xenon to xenon difluoride in anhydrous HF solutions.

2 AgF₂ + Xe → 2 AgF + XeF₂

It also oxidises carbon monoxide to carbonyl fluoride.

2 AgF₂ + CO → 2 AgF + COF₂

It reacts with water to form oxygen gas:

4 AgF₂ + 4 H₂O → 2 Ag₂O + 8 HF + O₂