Fluorination of Uranium Compounds by Bromine Trifluoride Vapor, (I)

The fluorination of U3O8 powder by BrF3 vapor was attempted. The reaction proceeded even at 67°C and under 10 mmHg BrF3 partial pressure, producing UF6. The reaction rate increases with temperature up to about 220°C, and its activation energy is 0.9 kcal/mol. The reaction rate, however, decreases at temperatures slightly above 220°C and rises again after passing through a minimum at 225°–230°C.