I would like to know what are the decomposition products of the
Reaction between Halon 1211 (C Br Cl F2) and water. Keep in mind I'm
not a chemist. Thanks.

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Request for Question Clarification by landog-ga on 25 Aug 2005 22:24 PDT

Hi,

Halon 1211 is a trade name for bromochlorodifluoromethane. It is also
known as BCF, Halon 1211 BCF, or Freon 12B1. The chemical formula is
CF2ClBr.

It was introduced as an effective gaseous fire suppression agent in
the 1960s for use around highly valuable materials in places such as
museums, mainframe rooms, and telecommunication switching centers. The
production of Bromochlorodifluoromethane and similar
Chlorofluorcarbons has been banned in most countries since January 1,
1994 as part of the Montreal Protocol on ozone depleting substances.

This is a volatile extinguishant that should be used only with a
breathing apparatus (when volume exceeds 5%).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halon_1211

Take a look at the MSDS for Bromochlorodifluoromethane (Halon 1211),
it is tested to be 'practically insoluble in water'. Therefore
decomposition does not occur when mixed with water (H2O):
http://www.wfrfire.com/website/msds/halon.htm

Water is even recommended to cool down canisters containing
Bromochlorodifluoromethane or to wash eyes that have come in contact
with it.

Does this answer your question?
Regards,
Landog-ga

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Clarification of Question by matscientist-ga on 26 Aug 2005 09:12 PDT

Thanks, your comments answer the question to the extent that I asked
it... if that makes sense.  I would like to know how it's possible to
form HCl, HF, and HBr from Halon, and my theory was that it reacted
with water... oh well.

 Thanks again.

You are correct, at elevated temperatures (above ~450 C) CF2BrCl will
react with water vapor to form various halogen acid gases (HBr, HCl,
HF), free halogens, and smaller halogenated carbonyl species (COF2,
COBr2, COCl2).

Because water vapor is always present in the combustion products of
most common materials (i.e., any hydrocarbon-based material that
burns), there will be water around for the Halon to react with.  The
relative amounts of the various possible halogenated reaction products
will depend on the temperature and chemical composition (e.g., how
much water vapor is present relative to other species) of the reacting
mixture.

See:
http://www.bfrl.nist.gov/866/HOTWC/HOTWC2003/pubs/R0000185.pdf
http://www.airliquide.com/safety/msds/en/008_AL_EN.pdf
http://www.oseh.umich.edu/haloappa.pdf

Thanks for your comment.
I had suspected a high temperature condition but did not think it
would be that high.