Xenontetrafluoridi

Xenontetrafluoridi, chemical formula XeF4, is a binary compound of xenon and fluorine. It is a colorless, crystalline solid at room temperature and pressure. Xenontetrafluoridi is one of the most stable xenon fluorides, though it is still a powerful oxidizing and fluorinating agent. It reacts vigorously with water, producing xenon, oxygen, hydrogen fluoride, and xenon oxyfluorides. It is also sensitive to light and heat, which can cause it to decompose.

The synthesis of Xenontetrafluoridi was first reported in 1962 by Neil Bartlett. It can be prepared by the direct reaction of xenon gas with fluorine gas at elevated temperatures or under electrical discharge. The reaction typically occurs in a sealed container, with a ratio of fluorine to xenon influencing the product. Other methods of synthesis involve using metal fluorides as catalysts or initiators.

Xenontetrafluoridi has a planar molecular geometry with the xenon atom at the center and four fluorine atoms at the corners of a square. The presence of two lone pairs of electrons on the central xenon atom dictates this geometry according to VSEPR theory. This structure influences its reactivity and properties.

Due to its strong oxidizing and fluorinating capabilities, Xenontetrafluoridi has found applications in specialized chemical synthesis, particularly in the preparation of other fluorine-containing compounds that are difficult to synthesize by other means. It is used as a source of fluorine in certain reactions and has been studied for its potential in nuclear fuel reprocessing. Handling Xenontetrafluoridi requires extreme caution due to its reactivity and toxicity.