Question

The reaction of \(\mathrm{XeF}_{6}\) with silica \(\left(\mathrm{SiO}_{2}\right)\) gives: (1) \(\mathrm{XeO}_{3}\) and \(\mathrm{SiF}_{4}\) (2) \(\mathrm{XeF}_{4}\) and \(\mathrm{SiF}_{4}\) (3) \(\mathrm{XeOF}_{2}\) and \(\mathrm{SiF}_{4}\) (4) \(\mathrm{XeOF}_{4}\) and \(\mathrm{SiF}_{4}\)

Short answer

Option (4): \( \text{XeOF}_4 \) and \( \text{SiF}_4 \).

Step-by-step solution

- Understand the Reactants

The reaction involves \( \text{XeF}_6 \) (Xenon hexafluoride) reacting with \( \text{SiO}_2 \) (Silica).

- Identify the Products

Look at the possible products provided: \( \text{XeO}_3 \, \text{XeF}_4 \, \text{XeOF}_2 \) and \( \text{XeOF}_4 \) for xenon compounds, and \( \text{SiF}_4 \) (Silicon tetrafluoride).

- Consider Chemical Behavior

Consider the typical chemical behavior and oxidation states of xenon and silicon in such compounds. Xenon in \( \text{XeF}_6 \) typically forms higher oxidation states and tends to form oxides and oxyfluorides when reacting with silica.

- Balance the Reaction

Write and balance the chemical reaction: \[ \text{XeF}_6 + \text{SiO}_2 \to \text{XeOF}_4 + \text{SiF}_4 \]

- Verify the Products

Check if the given products match the balanced equation: \( \text{XeOF}_4 \) and \( \text{SiF}_4 \). This matches the list provided, specifically option (4).

Key concepts

XeF6 reactions

Xenon hexafluoride, denoted as \(\text{XeF}_6\), is one of the noble gas compounds that exhibits interesting chemical behavior. In particular, \(\text{XeF}_6\) is known for its reactivity with various substances, including silica (SiO\(_2\)).
Here are some key reactions and points related to \(\text{XeF}_6\):

• \(\text{XeF}_6\) is an excellent fluorinating agent, meaning it can easily transfer fluorine atoms to other substances.
• Upon reaction with water, \(\text{XeF}_6\) can form xenon oxyfluorides (such as \(\text{XeOF}_4\) and \(\text{XeO}_3\)), showcasing its ability to form multiple oxidation states.
• When \(\text{XeF}_6\) interacts with silica, the reaction typically yields xenon oxyfluoride (\(\text{XeOF}_4\)) and silicon tetrafluoride (\(\text{SiF}_4\)).

Understanding these high-level behaviors helps in predicting the outcomes of specific chemical reactions involving \(\text{XeF}_6\), paving the way for solving related chemistry problems effectively.

Silica chemical reactions

Silica, or silicon dioxide (SiO\(_2\)), is a common and highly stable compound found in nature. It displays unique reactivity patterns due to its rigid and strong molecular structure.
Several important points concerning the chemical reactivity of silica include:

• Silica typically reacts with strong acids and bases, often altering its structure.
• In reactions with fluorinating agents like \(\text{XeF}_6\), silica gets converted into silicon tetrafluoride (\(\text{SiF}_4\)). This offspring reaction product is volatile and often serves as a key indicator of successful chemical transformation.
• The conversion of silica to \(\text{SiF}_4\) is consistent with the cleavage of Si-O bonds and the formation of Si-F bonds.

Through understanding the chemical behaviors of silica, one can predict reaction products and their respective pathways in various chemical scenarios, such as the reaction with xenon hexafluoride.

Xenon compounds

Xenon, although a noble gas, forms several interesting and useful compounds under specific conditions. These xenon compounds display unique properties and reactivities that are valuable in both academic and practical chemical applications.
Key aspects of xenon compounds include:

• Xenon fluorides: \(\text{XeF}_2\), \(\text{XeF}_4\), and \(\text{XeF}_6\) are well-known xenon fluorides. They are notable for their high oxidation states and potential to act as strong oxidizing and fluorinating agents.
• Xenon oxyfluorides: Compounds like \(\text{XeOF}_4\) reflect the versatility of xenon by combining both oxygen and fluorine atoms. These compounds often result from the reaction of xenon fluorides with water or other oxygen sources.
• Xenon oxides: Compounds such as xenon trioxide (\(\text{XeO}_3\)) show xenon's ability to form oxides, illustrating its chemical diversity.

Knowledge of these compounds is crucial for understanding the outcomes of chemical reactions involving xenon, especially when dealing with complex reaction systems such as xenon hexafluoride reacting with silica.