The transition metal hexafluorides

Abstract

The nine transition metal hexafluorides present a unique series of closely related compounds. Deviations from octahedral structures are influenced by Jahn–Teller effects and spin orbit coupling. The most pronounced chemical behaviour is the increasing electron affinity in the direction WF₆→ PtF₆ and MoF₆→ RuF₆, so that with PtF₆ and RuF₆ values of 7 eV or higher are reached. All hexafluorides can be used as one electron oxidants, starting with mild (WF₆) up to extreme (PtF₆, RuF₆) oxidation power.