4411. Germanium Tetrafluoride

Nomenclature

CAS number: 7783-58-6
F4Ge; mol wt 148.63.
F 51.13%, Ge 48.87%.
GeF4.

Description and references

Prepd by heating BaGeF6 to around 700°: Dennis, Laubengayer, Z. Phys. Chem. 130, 520 (1927); Dennis, Z. Anorg. Allg. Chem. 174, 119 (1928); Biltz, ibid. 207, 65 (1932); Hoffman, Gutowsky, Inorg. Synth. 4, 147 (1953).

Properties

Colorless gas. Odor of garlic. Thermally stable up to about 1000°. d0 (liq) 2.162; d (solid; 195°) 3.148. mp 15° (under 3032 mm pressure). Sublimes at 36.5°. On contact with water, hydrolyzes to GeO2 and H2GeF6. Does not attack glass when absolutely dry. Corrodes mercury, grease.

Derivative

Trihydrate.

Properties

Obtained by slow evaporation of a soln of germanium dioxide in 20% HF. This is said to be water-soluble.

Caution

Highly irritating to eyes, skin, lungs, mucous membranes.