Rhenium(VI) chloride explained

Rhenium(VI) chloride is the inorganic compound with the formula ReCl₆. It is a black paramagnetic solid. The molecules adopt an octahedral structure as seen in tungsten(VI) chloride.^[1]

Preparation and reactions

Rhenium(VI) chloride was first generated as a mixture by chlorination of Re films.^[2] Bulk samples can be prepared by combining rhenium hexafluoride with excess boron trichloride:

2 ReF₆ + 6 BCl₃ → ReCl₆ + 6 BF₂Cl

It is unstable at room temperature with respect to rhenium(V) chloride:

2 ReCl₆ → [ReCl₅]₂ + Cl₂

References

1. Tamadon, Farhad . Seppelt, K. . The Elusive Halides VCl₅, MoCl₆, and ReCl₆. Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 2012. 52. 2. 767–769. 10.1002/anie.201207552. 23172658.
2. 10.1038/194374a0. Rhenium Hexachloride. 1962. Colton. R.. Nature. 194. 4826. 374–375. 1962Natur.194..374C. 4166446.

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