Neptunium(V) and (VI) oxyfluorides

Abstract

Neptunium(V) oxytrifluoride, NpOF₃, and neptunyl(VI) fluoride, NpO₂F₂, are obtained by treating Np₂O₅ and NpO₃,H₂O, respectively, with anhydrous, gaseous hydrogen fluoride. NpO₂F₂ can be prepared by a variety of other methods including direct fluorination of Np₂O₅ or NpO₃,H₂O at 350° and 225° respectively. Attempts to reduce NpO₂F₂ to NpO₂F have resulted in the formation of pentavalent oxyfluoride products of variable composition. X-Ray powder diffraction patterns for products in the range of composition NpO_1·96F_1·08–-NpO_1·8F_1·4 are identical. Some chemical properties, i.r. spectra and X-ray powder diffraction results are reported for these oxyfluorides.