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Germanium tetrafluoride

Germanium tetrafluoride (GeF<sub>4</sub>) 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 F<sub>2</sub> → GeF<sub>4</sub>

Alternatively germanium dioxide combines with hydrofluoric acid (HF):

GeO<sub>2</sub> + 4 HF → GeF<sub>4</sub> + 2 H<sub>2</sub>O

It is also formed during the thermal decomposition of a complex salt, Ba[GeF<sub>6</sub>]:

Ba(GeF<sub>6</sub>) → GeF<sub>4</sub> + BaF<sub>2</sub>

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&nbsp;°C.

Reaction of GeF<sub>4</sub> with fluoride sources produces GeF<sub>5</sub><sup>−</sup> anions with octahedral coordination around Ge atom due to polymerization. The structural characterization of a discrete trigonal bipyramidal GeF<sub>5</sub><sup>−</sup> 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