Germanium tetrafluoride explained

Germanium tetrafluoride (GeF₄) is a chemical compound of germanium and fluorine. It is a colorless gas.

Synthesis

Germanium tetrafluoride is formed by treating germanium with fluorine:

Ge + 2 F₂ → GeF₄Alternatively germanium dioxide combines with hydrofluoric acid (HF):

GeO₂ + 4 HF → GeF₄ + 2 H₂O

It is also formed during the thermal decomposition of a complex salt, Ba[GeF₆]:

Ba(GeF₆) → GeF₄ + BaF₂

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.^[1] 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.^[2]

Uses

In combination with disilane, germanium tetrafluoride is used for in the synthesis of SiGe.

External links

• "Reactivity of a Naked Fluoride Reagent and Controlled Design of Germanium Fluorido-Anions."

Notes and References

1. Mallouk. T. E.. Desbat. B.. Bartlett. N.. 1984. Structural Studies of salts of cis and trans μ-Fluoro-Bridged Polymers of Pentafluorogermanate(1-) and of the Pentafluorogermanate(1-) Monomer. Inorganic Chemistry. 23. 20. 3160–3166. 10.1021/ic00188a027.
2. Alič. B.. Tramšek. M.. Kokalj. A.. Tavčar. G.. 2017. Discrete GeF₅^– Anion Structurally Characterized with a Readily Synthesized Imidazolium Based Naked Fluoride Reagent. Inorganic Chemistry. 56. 16. 10070–10077. 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.7b01606. 28792216.