chapter 7.  ELEMENTS OF GROUPS 16, 17 AND 18 class 12 chemistry textbook solution

3. Answer the following.

xvi. How are xenon fluorides XeF2, XeF4 and XeF6 obtained ? Give suitable reactions.

Answer:-

Xenon fluorides, including XeF2, XeF4, and XeF6, can be obtained through various chemical reactions involving xenon gas (Xe) and fluorine gas (F2). Here are suitable reactions for the preparation of each xenon fluoride:

  1. Xenon Difluoride (XeF2):

    Xenon difluoride (XeF2) can be prepared by the direct reaction of xenon gas with excess fluorine gas. The reaction is typically carried out under controlled conditions:

    Reaction: Xe(g) + F2(g) → XeF2(s)

    In this reaction, xenon gas reacts with excess fluorine gas to form xenon difluoride as a solid product.

  2. Xenon Tetrafluoride (XeF4):

    Xenon tetrafluoride (XeF4) can also be prepared by the reaction of xenon gas with excess fluorine gas. However, this reaction typically requires more rigorous conditions or the use of a suitable fluorinating agent, such as a mixture of xenon hexafluoride (XeF6) and xenon hexafluoroplatinate (Xe[PtF6]6):

    Reaction: Xe(g) + 2F2(g) → XeF4(s)

    Alternatively: XeF6(g) + Xe[PtF6]6(s) → 2XeF4(s) + PtF4(s)

    In the second reaction, xenon hexafluoride and xenon hexafluoroplatinate react to produce xenon tetrafluoride and platinum(IV) fluoride as solid products.

  3. Xenon Hexafluoride (XeF6):

    Xenon hexafluoride (XeF6) is usually prepared using a more indirect method. One common method involves the reaction of xenon hexafluoroplatinate (Xe[PtF6]6) with fluorine gas:

    Reaction: Xe[PtF6]6(s) + 6F2(g) → XeF6(g) + PtF6(s)

    In this reaction, xenon hexafluoroplatinate reacts with fluorine gas to produce xenon hexafluoride gas and platinum hexafluoride as a solid product.

It’s important to note that these reactions often require strict control of reaction conditions and safety precautions due to the reactivity of fluorine gas and the sensitivity of xenon fluorides. These compounds are typically handled by experienced chemists in controlled environments.

chapter 7.  ELEMENTS OF GROUPS 16, 17 AND 18 Textbook Solution page 164