Application
Tantalum(V) fluoride, a white crystalline powder, serves as an effective catalyst in various organic chemical reactions. Its primary use in petrochemistry is as a catalyst for isomerization and alkylation processes. Additionally, it functions as a fluorination catalyst in the production of fluorinated hydrocarbons. This compound is produced through the direct fluorination of tantalum metal or by reacting anhydrous hydrogen fluoride with tantalum pentoxide or oxychloride, alongside a suitable dehydrating agent. Tantalum pentafluoride's unique ability to accept fluoride ions in anhydrous hydrogen fluoride facilitates the preparation of salts containing ions like AsH4, H3S, and PH4. However, related compounds such as TaOF3 and TaO2F do not have any industrial applications.