Rhodium hexafluoride explained

Rhodium hexafluoride, also rhodium(VI) fluoride, (RhF₆) is the inorganic compound of rhodium and fluorine. A black volatile solid, it is a highly reactive material, and a rare example of a rhodium(VI) compound. It is one of seventeen known binary hexafluorides.

Synthesis, structure, properties

Rhodium hexafluoride is prepared by reaction of rhodium metal with an excess of elemental fluorine:

Rh + 3 F₂ → RhF₆

The RhF₆ molecule has octahedral molecular geometry. Consistent with its d³ configuration, the six Rh–F bond lengths are equivalent, being 1.824 Å. It crystallises in an orthorhombic space group Pnma with lattice parameters of a = 9.323 Å, b = 8.474 Å, and c = 4.910 Å.

Like some other metal fluorides, RhF₆ is highly oxidizing. It attacks glass, and can even react with elemental oxygen.^[1]

References

1. Riedel . Sebastian . Kaupp . Martin . 2009 . The highest oxidation states of the transition metal elements . Coordination Chemistry Reviews . 253 . 5–6 . 606–624 . Elsevier . 10.1016/j.ccr.2008.07.014 .

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Further reading

• Gmelins Handbuch der anorganischen Chemie, System Nr. 63, Rhodium, Part B1, pp. 266–268.

External links

• • Rhodium hexafluoride at webelements.com.