Application
Indium(III) fluoride, characterized by its -40 mesh size and 99.999% purity, is a white, hygroscopic powder that remains stable in both hot and cold water. It is notably used in the synthesis of non-oxide glasses, where it excels in promoting the chemoselective addition of trimethylsilyl cyanide (TMSCN) to aldehydes, resulting in the formation of cyanohydrins. While it is very sparingly soluble in water at room temperature (0.040 g/100 ml), it dissolves readily in dilute acids. Indium(III) fluoride can be reduced to nearly pure InF3 with a slow stream of hydrogen at 300°C, whereas a fast stream leads to the reduction to the metal itself. This compound has a melting point of 1170°C and a boiling point exceeding 1200°C, with a density of 4.39 g/cm³.