Germanium tetrafluoride
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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 → GeF4
Alternatively 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. 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.
Uses
In combination with disilane, germanium tetrafluoride is used for in the synthesis of SiGe.