Question

\(\mathrm{XeO}_{3}\) can be prepared by: (a) \(\mathrm{XeF}_{2}\) hydrolysis (b) \(\mathrm{XeF}_{6}+\mathrm{SiO}_{2} \longrightarrow\) (c) \(\mathrm{XeF}_{4}\) hydrolysis (d) \(\mathrm{XeF}_{6}\) hydrolysis

Short answer

\( \text{XeO}_3 \) is prepared by (b) \( \text{XeF}_6 + \text{SiO}_2 \rightarrow \), (c) \( \text{XeF}_4 \) hydrolysis, and (d) \( \text{XeF}_6 \) hydrolysis.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Reactions

In order to determine which reactions can produce \( \text{XeO}_3 \), it's vital to look at the type of hydrolysis or reaction each option undergoes. Hydrolysis involves the reaction of a compound with water, potentially leading to the formation of new substances.

Examining Option A: \( \text{XeF}_2 \) Hydrolysis

\( \text{XeF}_2 \) when undergoing hydrolysis predominantly forms \( \text{XeO}_2 \). The reaction is as follows: \[ 2 \text{XeF}_2 + 2 \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow 2 \text{XeO} + 4 \text{HF} \]. Hence, this option doesn't produce \( \text{XeO}_3 \).

Examining Option B: \( \text{XeF}_6 + \text{SiO}_2 \rightarrow \)

\( \text{XeF}_6 \) with \( \text{SiO}_2 \) yields \( \text{XeO}_3 \) and \( \text{SiF}_4 \) as a result of reaction: \[ \text{XeF}_6 + \text{SiO}_2 \rightarrow \text{XeO}_3 + \text{SiF}_4 \]. This indeed forms \( \text{XeO}_3 \).

Examining Option C: \( \text{XeF}_4 \) Hydrolysis

Hydrolysis of \( \text{XeF}_4 \) typically leads to the formation of \( \text{XeO}_3 \). The reaction sequence is: \[ \text{XeF}_4 + 3 \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{XeO}_3 + 4 \text{HF} \]. Thus, \( \text{XeO}_3 \) is produced.

Examining Option D: \( \text{XeF}_6 \) Hydrolysis

\( \text{XeF}_6 \) can be hydrolyzed to form \( \text{XeO}_3 \) as seen by the reaction: \[ \text{XeF}_6 + 3 \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{XeO}_3 + 6 \text{HF} \]. This reaction produces \( \text{XeO}_3 \).

Conclusion

After evaluating each option, \( \text{XeO}_3 \) can be prepared by methods (b), (c), and (d).

Key concepts

Hydrolysis

Hydrolysis is a chemical breakdown involving water. In this process, water molecules split into hydrogen and hydroxide ions. These ions then react with other compounds, breaking chemical bonds and forming new substances. Hydrolysis is crucial in producing compounds like xenon trioxide (xeO3).

In hydrolysis reactions involving xenon fluorides, such as xeF6, water reacts with the fluoride. This reaction often produces xenon trioxide and hydrogen fluoride as byproducts. It's crucial to monitor these reactions closely, as the handling and reactivity of the components can vary.

• xeF6 + 3 h2O  xeO3 + 6 HF

Hydrolysis is an essential concept in chemistry due to its ability to transform substances into more useful or less reactive forms. This chemical transformation underlies various industrial and biological processes.

Xenon Compounds

Xenon compounds are fascinating and unique due to xenon's position as a noble gas. Normally, noble gases are known for their lack of reactivity, but xenon can form several interesting compounds, especially with highly electronegative elements like fluorine and oxygen.

The compound xenon trioxide (xeO3) is one of the notable xenon oxides. This compound is created through hydrolysis of xenon fluorides, further illustrating its reactive side. Xenon trioxide is a rare and somewhat unstable compound, often requiring careful handling.

• Xenon fluorides such as xeF6, xeF4, and xeF2 are other prominent compounds.
• These fluorides act as precursors in various chemical transformations.

The ability of xenon to bind with other elements defies the general assumption about noble gases, showcasing the intricate and often surprising interactions within the chemical world.

Chemical Reactions

Chemical reactions involve the breaking and forming of bonds between atoms. This transformation leads to the formation of one or more new substances. In the preparation of xenon trioxide, several chemical reactions play a critical role, especially those involving hydrolysis and substitution.

When xeF6 reacts with silicon dioxide (SiO2), it directly forms xeO3, showcasing a substitution reaction where bonds are broken and new ones are formed to yield fluorosilicic acid (SiF4) as a byproduct. Similarly, in the hydrolysis of xeF4, water acts as a reactant, leading to the creation of xenon trioxide. These reactions demonstrate how the reactivity of xenon fluorides can be harnessed to produce significant compounds.

• In reactions, reactants undergo changes, forming products with different properties.
• Understanding reaction conditions is crucial for controlling the outcomes.

Chemical reactions, like those involving xenon, illustrate the transformative power of chemistry, capable of altering substances fundamentally.