Vanadium tetrafluoride

Struktur von Vanadium(IV)-fluorid

Vanadium tetrafluoride (VF₄) is a chemical compound consisting of vanadium and fluorine. It is one of the several fluoride compounds of vanadium, characterized by the metal in its +4 oxidation state. Vanadium tetrafluoride is a paramagnetic solid, reflecting the presence of a single unpaired electron in the vanadium atom.

Properties

Vanadium tetrafluoride appears as a bright red-brown crystalline solid at room temperature. It is soluble in water, releasing heat and forming hydrofluoric acid (HF) and vanadium oxo-fluorides. This compound is highly reactive towards organic compounds and water, which makes it a powerful oxidizing agent in chemical reactions.

Chemical Structure

The structure of VF₄ consists of vanadium atoms surrounded by four fluorine atoms in a tetrahedral geometry. This configuration leads to the paramagnetic properties of VF₄ due to the unpaired electron in the vanadium atom.

Synthesis

Vanadium tetrafluoride can be synthesized by the reaction of vanadium with fluorine gas at elevated temperatures. Another method involves the fluorination of vanadium(III) fluoride (VF₃) with elemental fluorine. Care must be taken during its synthesis due to the highly reactive and corrosive nature of the reactants involved.

Applications

While vanadium tetrafluoride is not extensively used in commercial applications, its reactivity and properties make it of interest for research in inorganic and materials chemistry. It serves as a precursor to other vanadium compounds and can be used in the synthesis of various organofluorine compounds. Its strong oxidizing potential is also of interest in the development of new chemical reactions and processes.

Safety

Handling vanadium tetrafluoride requires strict safety precautions due to its corrosive nature and the potential release of toxic hydrofluoric acid upon contact with moisture. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilation are essential when working with this compound.