Xenon Hexafluoride ($\text{XeF}_6$)

Equations:

Complete Hydrolysis:
$$\text{XeF}_6 + 3\text{H}_2\text{O} \longrightarrow \text{XeO}_3 + 6\text{HF}$$

Partial Hydrolysis (Step 1):
$$\text{XeF}_6 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \longrightarrow \text{XeOF}_4 + 2\text{HF}$$

Partial Hydrolysis (Step 2):
$$\text{XeF}_6 + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \longrightarrow \text{XeO}_2\text{F}_2 + 4\text{HF}$$

Concept: $$\text{XeF}_6$$ undergoes stepwise non-redox replacement of fluorine ligands by oxygen (where Xenon remains in the +6 oxidation state throughout all stages of partial and complete hydrolysis).

• Notation:
  • $$\text{XeO}_3$$ = Highly explosive, pyramidal xenon trioxide solid
  • $$\text{XeOF}_4$$ = Square pyramidal liquid
  • $$\text{XeO}_2\text{F}_2$$ = See-saw shaped oxyfluoride gas