Iridium hexafluoride: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 05:27, 16 February 2025

Iridium hexafluoride[edit]

Structural formula of Iridium hexafluoride

Iridium hexafluoride, also known as iridium(VI) fluoride, is a chemical compound with the formula IrF_. It is one of the few known hexafluorides and is notable for being a highly reactive and volatile compound. Iridium hexafluoride is a member of the transition metal hexafluorides, which are compounds where a transition metal is bonded to six fluorine atoms.

Properties[edit]

Iridium hexafluoride is a yellow crystalline solid at room temperature. It has a melting point of 44 °C and a boiling point of 53.6 °C. The compound is highly reactive and can act as a powerful oxidizing agent. It is known to react with water and many organic compounds, often violently.

The molecular geometry of IrF_ is octahedral, which is typical for hexafluorides. This geometry arises because the six fluorine atoms are symmetrically arranged around the central iridium atom, minimizing electron pair repulsion according to VSEPR theory.

Synthesis[edit]

Iridium hexafluoride can be synthesized by the direct fluorination of iridium metal at high temperatures. The reaction typically involves passing fluorine gas over iridium at temperatures around 300 °C. The reaction can be represented as:

Ir + 3 F_ _ IrF_

This process requires careful control of conditions to prevent the formation of other iridium fluorides, such as iridium pentafluoride (IrF_).

Applications[edit]

Due to its high reactivity, iridium hexafluoride is primarily of interest in research rather than practical applications. It is used in the study of fluorine chemistry and as a precursor for the synthesis of other iridium compounds. Its ability to oxidize other materials makes it a useful reagent in certain chemical reactions.

Safety[edit]

Iridium hexafluoride is a highly corrosive and toxic compound. It must be handled with extreme care, using appropriate protective equipment and in a controlled environment. The compound can cause severe burns upon contact with skin and is harmful if inhaled.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Iridium hexafluoride''', also known by its chemical formula '''IrF<sub>6</sub>''', is a chemical compound consisting of one [[iridium]] atom and six [[fluorine]] atoms. This compound is part of a group of compounds known as [[hexafluorides]], which are notable for their high symmetry and the ability to form stable complexes with transition metals. Iridium hexafluoride is a volatile substance, and it is one of the few compounds that can form a hexafluoride, highlighting the unique chemical properties of iridium as well as fluorine.
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Iridium hexafluoride}}
-==Properties==
+== Iridium hexafluoride ==
-Iridium hexafluoride is a highly reactive compound, exhibiting properties characteristic of both the metal iridium and the halogen fluorine. It is a powerful oxidizing agent, capable of oxidizing substances that come into contact with it. The compound is a gas at room temperature, making it one of the more volatile hexafluorides. Its physical and chemical properties make it of interest in both theoretical and applied chemistry, particularly in studies related to the behavior of [[transition metals]] and their compounds.
-==Synthesis==
+[[File:Iridium(VI)-fluoride.svg|thumb|right|Structural formula of Iridium hexafluoride]]
-The synthesis of iridium hexafluoride typically involves the direct reaction of iridium metal with fluorine gas. This process requires strict control of conditions, as the reaction is highly exothermic and can lead to the formation of various by-products if not properly managed. The synthesis of IrF<sub>6</sub> highlights the reactivity of fluorine and its ability to form compounds with even the most inert of metals, such as iridium.
-==Applications==
+'''Iridium hexafluoride''', also known as '''iridium(VI) fluoride''', is a chemical compound with the formula '''IrF_'''. It is one of the few known hexafluorides and is notable for being a highly reactive and volatile compound. Iridium hexafluoride is a member of the [[transition metal]] hexafluorides, which are compounds where a transition metal is bonded to six fluorine atoms.
-While iridium hexafluoride is not widely used in practical applications due to its reactivity and the rarity of iridium, it is of interest in research settings. Studies involving IrF<sub>6</sub> can provide insights into the chemistry of iridium, the behavior of hexafluorides, and the general principles governing the interactions between transition metals and halogens. Its properties may also make it useful in the development of new materials and chemical processes, although such applications are currently speculative.
-==Safety==
+== Properties ==
-Handling iridium hexafluoride requires caution due to its reactivity and the toxicity of both iridium compounds and fluorine gas. Proper safety equipment, including gloves and eye protection, should be used when working with this compound. Additionally, work with IrF<sub>6</sub> should be conducted in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood to avoid inhalation of the gas.
+Iridium hexafluoride is a yellow crystalline solid at room temperature. It has a melting point of 44 °C and a boiling point of 53.6 °C. The compound is highly reactive and can act as a powerful oxidizing agent. It is known to react with water and many organic compounds, often violently.
+The molecular geometry of IrF_ is octahedral, which is typical for hexafluorides. This geometry arises because the six fluorine atoms are symmetrically arranged around the central iridium atom, minimizing electron pair repulsion according to [[VSEPR theory]].
+== Synthesis ==
+Iridium hexafluoride can be synthesized by the direct fluorination of iridium metal at high temperatures. The reaction typically involves passing fluorine gas over iridium at temperatures around 300 °C. The reaction can be represented as:
+: Ir + 3 F_ _ IrF_
+This process requires careful control of conditions to prevent the formation of other iridium fluorides, such as [[iridium pentafluoride]] (IrF_).
+== Applications ==
+Due to its high reactivity, iridium hexafluoride is primarily of interest in research rather than practical applications. It is used in the study of [[fluorine chemistry]] and as a precursor for the synthesis of other iridium compounds. Its ability to oxidize other materials makes it a useful reagent in certain chemical reactions.
+== Safety ==
+Iridium hexafluoride is a highly corrosive and toxic compound. It must be handled with extreme care, using appropriate protective equipment and in a controlled environment. The compound can cause severe burns upon contact with skin and is harmful if inhaled.
+== Related pages ==
+* [[Iridium]]
+* [[Fluorine]]
+* [[Transition metal hexafluorides]]
+* [[Iridium pentafluoride]]
-[[Category:Chemical compounds]]
 [[Category:Iridium compounds]]
 [[Category:Hexafluorides]]
-[[Category:Inorganic compounds]]
+[[Category:Transition metal compounds]]