Hydrolysis of Xenon Fluorides and Factors Affects Hydrolysis

Write the hydrolysis products of XeF₂, XeF₄ and XeF₆ and discuss the factors which affects the hydrolysis.

Hydrolysis of Xenon Fluorides

The process of hydrolysis of xenon fluoride involves a number of intermediates and can be carried out in a multiple pathways. The initial formation of a xenon-oxygen bond, followed by the subsequent release of hydrogen fluoride is an essential reaction pathway. Hydrolysis of different xenon fluorides are given below-

Hydrolysis of XeO₂

2XeF₂ (s) + 2H₂O(l) → 2Xe (g) + 4 HF(aq) + O₂(g)

Hydrolysis of XeO₄

6XeF₄ + 12 H₂O → 4Xe + 2XeO₃ + 24 HF + 3O₂

Hydrolysis of XeO₆

XeF₆ + 3 H₂O → XeO₃ + 6 HF

Partial hydrolysis of XeF₆ gives oxyfluorides,
XeF₆ + H₂O → XeOF₄ + 2HF
XeF₆ + 2 H₂O → XeO₂F₂ + 4HF

Factors Affecting Hydrolysis

The rate and extent of hydrolysis of xenon fluorides are affected by several factors. Some of them are given below-
Identity of xenon fluoride: Different xenon fluorides exhibit different reactivity towards hydrolysis. Generally, higher the oxidation state of xenon, higher the reactivity.
Concentration of Water: Higher the concentration of water, faster will be the rate of hydrolysis.
Temperature: Higher the temperatures, faster the hydrolysis reaction.
pH: pH of the reaction medium affects the hydrolysis pathway and generate certain xenon-oxygen species.

The end product of the complete hydrolysis of XeF₆ is

A. XeOF₄
B. XeO₂F₂
C. XeO₃
D. XeO₃⁻

Answer

Option C is correct answer.
Complete hydrolysis of XeF₆ gives one molecule of XeO₃ and six molecules of Hydrogen fluoride.
XeF₆ + 3 H₂O → XeO₃ + 6 HF