The compound is a colorless gas, with bent molecular shape.

[1] The VSEPR model explains this geometry via a lone-pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom.

Nitrosyl fluoride is typically produced by direct reaction of nitric oxide and fluorine, although halogenation with a perfluorinated metal salt is also possible.

The compound is a highly reactive fluorinating agent that converts many metals to their fluorides, releasing nitric oxide in the process: For this reason, aqueous NOF solutions are, like aqua regia, powerful solvents for metals.

Similarly, the compound nitrosylates compounds with a free proton; thus alcohols convert to nitrites:[1] Nitrosyl fluoride is used as a solvent and as a fluorinating and nitrating[dubious – discuss] agent in organic synthesis.