hexafluoroniobate

Hexafluoroniobate refers to an anion with the chemical formula [NbF6]− or a compound containing this anion. Niobium is a chemical element with the symbol Nb and atomic number 41. Fluorine is a chemical element with the symbol F and atomic number 9. The hexafluoroniobate anion consists of a central niobium atom bonded to six fluorine atoms in an octahedral coordination geometry. This structure is common for hexafluoride anions.

Salts containing the hexafluoroniobate anion are typically formed by the reaction of niobium compounds with fluoride sources, often in the presence of hydrofluoric acid. For example, niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) can react with hydrofluoric acid (HF) to form niobium pentafluoride (NbF5), which can then react further to form hexafluoroniobate salts.

Examples of hexafluoroniobate compounds include alkali metal salts such as potassium hexafluoroniobate (K[NbF6]) and sodium hexafluoroniobate (Na[NbF6]). These salts are often crystalline solids.

Hexafluoroniobate compounds can be used in various applications, including as precursors for the production of niobium metal and niobium alloys. They may also find use in certain electrochemical processes or as components in specialized materials. The chemistry of hexafluoroniobate is closely related to that of other hexafluorometallate anions, such as hexafluorotantalate ([TaF6]−).