Question

Give the reactions and the conditions required for the preparation of the following compound.

XeOF₄

Answer 1

Xenon oxytetrafluoride can be prepared by the partial hydrolysis of xenon hexafluoride with water.

\[\ce{XeF6 + H2O -> XeOF4 + 2HF}\]

Condition: Controlled hydrolysis with limited water.

It can also be obtained by treating XeF₆ with silica (SiO₂).

\[\ce{2XeF6 + SiO2 -> 2XeOF4 + SiF4}\]

Condition: Reaction with dry silica (SiO₂) under controlled temperature.