Nitrogen difluoride (NF2) is a chemical compound composed of one nitrogen atom and two fluorine atoms. It is a colorless, odorless gas that is highly reactive and toxic.
Nitrogen difluoride has two isomers: cis and trans. These isomers have the same chemical formula, but different arrangements of the atoms in space.
The cis isomer has the two fluorine atoms on the same side of the molecule, while the trans isomer has the two fluorine atoms on opposite sides. This results in different physical and chemical properties between the two isomers.
The cis isomer of nitrogen difluoride is the thermodynamically favored form and is typically produced through the thermal decomposition of NF3, a compound commonly used in the semiconductor industry. The trans isomer is produced through photochemical reactions or through the reaction of NF3 with certain metals.
The cis isomer of nitrogen difluoride is used as a fluorinating agent in the production of organic compounds and as a cleaning agent in the semiconductor industry. The trans isomer has been studied for potential use in chemical reactions and as a possible rocket propellant.