Dioxygen difluoride, often represented by the chemical formula OF2, is a highly reactive and potentially hazardous chemical compound composed of oxygen (O) and fluorine (F) atoms. It’s an example of an oxide of fluorine. Dioxygen difluoride is a pale yellow to reddish-brown gas or, at very low temperatures, a yellow crystalline solid.

Dioxygen difluoride is known for its extreme reactivity and violent behavior under various conditions. It reacts explosively with many organic compounds, and even materials that are generally considered inert, such as glass and stainless steel, can react with it.

It can be prepared by the reaction of ozone (O3) with fluorine gas (F2):

O3 + F2 → OF2 + O2

Due to its reactivity, dioxygen difluoride is primarily used as a research compound and is not commonly encountered in practical applications. Some areas of potential application include its use as a powerful fluorinating agent in specialized chemical reactions or as a potential rocket propellant, but the extreme hazards associated with handling it limit its use in practice.

Given its reactivity and potential dangers, dioxygen difluoride should only be handled by trained professionals with proper safety equipment and precautions in place. The compound’s tendency to react violently with a wide range of substances means that extreme caution is necessary when working with it.