Geometry of the Perxenate Ion.

Area of Science:

• Inorganic Chemistry
• Solid-State Chemistry
• Xenon Chemistry

Background:

• Xenon compounds, particularly higher oxidation states, are of significant interest in inorganic chemistry.
• Understanding the structure and bonding of xenon oxides is crucial for advancing knowledge in noble gas chemistry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the precise three-dimensional structure of a crystalline solid formed from Xenon hexafluoride and sodium hydroxide.
• To elucidate the coordination chemistry and bonding characteristics of the perxenate ion.

Main Methods:

• Three-dimensional X-ray diffraction analysis was employed to study the crystalline solid.
• Chemical synthesis involving the reaction of Xenon hexafluoride (XeF6) with sodium hydroxide solution.

Main Results:

• The crystalline solid was identified as sodium perxenate octahydrate (Na4XeO6 * 8H2O).
• The perxenate ion (XeO6(-4)) exhibits a near-regular octahedral geometry.
• The mean Xenon-Oxygen bond length was determined to be 1.875 Å.

Conclusions:

• The study confirms the existence and structure of sodium perxenate octahydrate.
• The octahedral configuration of the perxenate ion provides insights into the bonding of high-oxidation-state xenon.