What Are The Physical Properties Of Xenon Tetroxide?

Xenon tetroxide (XeO4) is a yellow crystalline solid at room temperature with a molecular weight of 195.28 g/mol. It has a melting point of −35°C and a boiling point of −16°C, making it a volatile compound.

Xenon tetroxide is highly reactive and can decompose explosively under certain conditions, such as heat, shock, or contact with incompatible materials. It is a powerful oxidizing agent and can react violently with combustible and reducing materials, releasing toxic and corrosive fumes.

Xenon tetroxide is sparingly soluble in water and organic solvents, but it reacts readily with water to form xenic acid (H4XeO6) and other xenon oxides. Its vapor pressure is high, indicating its tendency to evaporate and form a gas phase even at low temperatures and pressures.

Xenon tetroxide exhibits a tetrahedral molecular geometry, with four oxygen atoms bonded to the central xenon atom through covalent bonds. The Xe-O bond length is around 1.62 angstroms, and the O-Xe-O bond angle is approximately 109.5 degrees, consistent with sp3 hybridization of the xenon atom.

Overall, xenon tetroxide is a highly reactive and hazardous compound that requires careful handling and storage. Its physical properties reflect its unstable and volatile nature, which poses significant safety risks to human health and the environment.