MoF6

Molybdenum hexafluoride, with the chemical formula MoF6, is an inorganic compound of molybdenum and fluorine. It is a colorless, volatile liquid at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. MoF6 is a strong oxidizing agent and reacts vigorously with water, producing hydrofluoric acid and molybdenum oxides. Its high reactivity also means it can react with many organic materials.

The compound is typically prepared by the direct fluorination of molybdenum metal at elevated temperatures. This reaction is exothermic and requires careful control of the reaction conditions. MoF6 is a dense liquid and has a relatively low boiling point of approximately 35 degrees Celsius.

Due to its extreme reactivity and toxicity, molybdenum hexafluoride is handled with great caution and typically under an inert atmosphere. Its primary applications are limited but include its use as a fluorinating agent in specialized chemical syntheses and potentially in certain nuclear fuel processing applications, though its instability and hazardous nature make it challenging to work with. It is not a commonly encountered compound in standard laboratory settings.