Reactions of xenon difluoride with the pentafluorides of tantalum, niobium, ruthenium, and osmium

Abstract

The reactions of xenon difluoride with the pentafluorides of tantalum, niobium, ruthenium, and osmium are described. The adducts XeF₂,TaF₅, XeF₂,2TaF₅, XeF₂,NbF₅, and XeF₂,2NbF₅ were prepared by the thermal reaction of the component molecules. The reaction stoicheiometries and thermal decompositions of the adducts have been studied and some of their physical properties are reported. Evidence for the formation of XeF₂,RuF₅ and XeF₂,2RuF₅ has also been obtained. The reaction of osmium pentafluoride with xenon difluoride produces a complex mixture of compounds, one of which is the adduct XeF₂,OsF₅.

The adducts obtained are compared with other analogous xenon difluoride–pentafluoride adducts and suggestions regarding their formulation and structure are made.

Attempts to prepare and isolate xenon tetrafluoride adducts with niobium, tantalum, and ruthenium pentafluorides have failed.