Germanium tetrafluoride
Germanium tetrafluoride is a chemical compound of germanium and fluorine. It is a colorless gas.Synthesis
Germanium tetrafluoride is formed by treating germanium with fluorine:
Alternatively germanium dioxide combines with hydrofluoric acid :
It is also formed during the thermal decomposition of a complex salt, Ba: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-bisimidazolium fluoride.Uses
In combination with disilane, germanium tetrafluoride is used for in the synthesis of SiGe.
