Skip to content
Exercises · 7.33

Q.How are xenon fluorides XeF2, XeF4 and XeF6 obtained?

Bihar BsebTextbookSubjectiveImportance★★★★★est
57% · 55/96 Questions
🔒 Locked · start free trial →

You're viewing a preview — the full solution, concept, methods & PYQ mapping are locked.

Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →

Step 1: XeF2XeF_2 — direct combination in low F₂ excess.

Xe(g)+F2(g)→673 K  Ni vessel  XeF2(s)Xe(g) + F_2(g) \xrightarrow[673\ K]{\;Ni\ vessel\;} XeF_2(s)

using a Xe : F2F_2 ratio of about 1:2 (also can be made by exposing a Xe/F₂ mixture to sunlight).

Step 2: XeF4XeF_4 — direct combination with more F₂.

Xe(g)+2F2(g)→873 K, 7 bar  Ni vessel  XeF4(s)Xe(g) + 2F_2(g) \xrightarrow[873\ K,\ 7\ bar]{\;Ni\ vessel\;} XeF_4(s)

using a Xe : F2F_2 ratio of about 1:5.

Step 3: XeF6XeF_6 — direct combination with a large excess of F₂.

Xe(g)+3F2(g)→573 K, 60–70 bar  Ni catalyst  XeF6(s)Xe(g) + 3F_2(g) \xrightarrow[573\ K,\ 60\text{–}70\ bar]{\;Ni\ catalyst\;} XeF_6(s)

using a Xe : F2F_2 ratio of about 1:20 (a large excess of fluorine, and higher pressure, are needed to push the reaction to the hexafluoride).

(Alternatively, XeF6XeF_6 can be obtained from XeF4XeF_4 by reaction with O2F2O_2F_2: XeF4+O2F2→XeF6+O2XeF_4 + O_2F_2 \rightarrow XeF_6 + O_2 at 143 K.)

Step 4: Common features. …

Unlock everything free for 14 days

  • Full step-by-step solutions
  • Concept-first explanations
  • Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
  • PYQ mapping + timed mock tests

Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.