Germanium tetrafluoride (GeF
4) is a chemical compound of
germanium
Germanium is a chemical element with the symbol Ge and atomic number 32. It is lustrous, hard-brittle, grayish-white and similar in appearance to silicon. It is a metalloid in the carbon group that is chemically similar to its group neighbors ...
and
fluorine
Fluorine is a chemical element with the symbol F and atomic number 9. It is the lightest halogen and exists at standard conditions as a highly toxic, pale yellow diatomic gas. As the most electronegative reactive element, it is extremely reactiv ...
. It is a colorless gas.
Synthesis
Germanium tetrafluoride is formed by treating germanium with fluorine:
: Ge + 2 F
2 → GeF
4
Alternatively
germanium dioxide combines with
hydrofluoric acid
Hydrofluoric acid is a solution of hydrogen fluoride (HF) in water. Solutions of HF are colourless, acidic and highly corrosive. It is used to make most fluorine-containing compounds; examples include the commonly used pharmaceutical antidepres ...
(HF):
[
: GeO2 + 4 HF → GeF4 + 2 H2O
It is also formed during the thermal decomposition of a complex salt, Ba eF6]
Properties
Germanium tetrafluoride is a noncombustible, strongly fuming gas with a garlic-like odor. It reacts with water to form hydrofluoric acid and germanium dioxide. Decomposition occurs above 1000 °C.[
Reaction of GeF4 with fluoride sources produces GeF5− anions with octahedral coordination around Ge atom due to polymerization. The structural characterization of a discrete trigonal bipyramidal GeF5− anion was achieved by a "naked" fluoride reagent 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolium fluoride.]
Uses
In combination with disilane, germanium tetrafluoride is used for in the synthesis of SiGe.[
]
References
External links
"Reactivity of a Naked Fluoride Reagent and Controlled Design of Germanium Fluorido-Anions."
{{fluorine compounds
Germanium(IV) compounds
Gases
Fluorides
Metal halides