PuF6

PuF6, or plutonium hexafluoride, is a volatile fluoride compound of plutonium in the +6 oxidation state. It is part of the family of actinide hexafluorides and has been studied in the context of plutonium chemistry and nuclear materials processing. PuF6 is highly reactive with water and air, and it hydrolyzes readily to form plutonium oxyfluorides and hydrofluoric acid, making it difficult to handle in ordinary laboratory conditions.

Production and properties: PuF6 is typically formed under controlled fluorination conditions, for example by reacting plutonium compounds such as PuO2 or PuF4 with fluorine gas at elevated temperatures. The compound is highly oxidizing and volatile, with a tendency to decompose or react when exposed to moisture or incompatible materials. Because of its volatility, PuF6 can exist as a gas or a solid depending on temperature and pressure, but it requires specialized containment and materials resistant to fluorination for storage and handling.

Safety and handling: PuF6 is both radiotoxic and chemically hazardous. Handling requires remote operations, appropriate shielding, and fluorine-compatible equipment to prevent release and corrosion. Contact with water or humidity can produce HF, a corrosive and toxic acid. Strictly controlled, sealed systems are used to minimize exposure and environmental release.

Applications and context: Due to its radioactivity and chemical reactivity, PuF6 has limited practical applications outside of research into plutonium chemistry and potential fluorination-based processing. It is not used in routine industrial processes like UF6 is for uranium enrichment.

See also: PuF4, PuF5, UF6, actinide hexafluorides.