Hexafluoride

A hexafluoride is a chemical compound with the general formula R_pX_nF₆^m− or R_pX_nF₆^m+. Many molecules fit this formula. An important hexafluoride is hexafluorosilicic acid (H₂SiF₆), which is a byproduct of the mining of phosphate rock. In the nuclear industry, uranium hexafluoride (UF₆) is an important intermediate in the purification of this element. Several compounds in organofluorine chemistry are also hexafluorides.

Hexafluoride cations

Cationic hexafluorides do exist, but are rarer than neutral or anionic hexafluorides. Examples are the hexafluorochlorine, ClF₆⁺, and hexafluorobromine, BrF₆⁺, cations.

Hexafluoride anions

Many elements form anionic hexafluorides. Prominent members of commercial interest are hexafluorophosphate and hexafluorosilicate; hexafluoroplatinate is rarer, but of interest due to its being able to stabilize uncommon cations. Many transition metals form hexafluorides. Because of its highly basic nature and its resistance to oxidation, the fluoride ligand stabilizes some metals in uncommon oxidation states, such as caesium hexafluorocuprate(IV), potassium hexafluoronickelate(IV), and caesium hexafluoroargentate(IV).