Nitrosyl fluoride (NOF) is a covalently bonded nitrosyl compound. Reactions NOF is a highly reactive fluorinating agent that converts many metals to their fluorides, releasing nitric oxide in the process: n NOF + M → MFn + n NO NOF also fluorinates fluorides to form adducts that have a salt-like character, such as NOBF4. Aqueous solutions of NOF are powerful solvents for metals, by a mechanism similar to that seen in aqua regia. Nitrosyl fluoride reacts with water to form nitrous acid, which then forms nitric acid: NOF + H2O → HNO2 + HF 3 HNO2 → HNO3 + 2 NO + H2O Nitrosyl fluoride can also convert alcohols to nitrites: ROH + NOF → RONO + HF It has a bent molecular shape: this can be rationalized in the VSEPR model in terms of the lone-pair of electrons located on the N atom. Uses Nitrosyl fluoride is used as a solvent and as a fluorinating and nitrating agent in organic synthesis. It has also been proposed as an oxidizer in rocket propellants. References External links WebBook page for NOF National Pollutant Inventory - Fluoride and compounds fact sheet Nitrosyl compounds Oxyfluorides Fluorinating agents Nitrogen(III) compounds Nitrogen oxohalides