Oxofluorides

    Oxofluorides are known for Xe(IV), Xe(VI) and Xe(VIII): XeOF₂, XeOF₄ , XeO₂F₂, XeO₂F₄ and XeO₃F₂. Their structures are consistent with VSEPR theory. The 1:1 reaction of XeF₄ and H₂O in liquid HF yields XeOF₂, isolated as a pale yellow solid which decomposes explosively at 273K. In contrast to reaction 17.5, partial hydrolysis of XeF₆ (equation 1.1) gives XeOF₄ (a colourless liquid, mp 227 K), which can be converted to XeO₂F₂ by reaction 1.2. Reaction 1.3 is used to prepare XeO₃F₂ which can be separated in vacuo; further reaction between XeO₃F₂ and XeF₆ yields XeO₂F₄.

                                   (1.1)

                                 (1.2)

                        (1.3)

   The stable salts M[XeO₃F] (M = K or Cs) are obtained from MF and XeO₃, and contain infinite chain anions with F^- ions bridging XeO₃ groups. Similar complexes are obtained from CsCl or RbCl with XeO₃ but these contain linked [XeO₃Cl₂]^2- anions as shown in 1.1.

(1.1)