It is also formed during the thermal decomposition of a complex salt, Ba[GeF6]:[4]
Ba(GeF6) → GeF4 + BaF2
Properties
Germanium tetrafluoride is a noncombustible, strongly fuming gas with a garlic-like odor. It reacts with water to form hydrofluoric acid and germanium dioxide. Decomposition occurs above 1000 °C.[5]
Reaction of GeF4 with fluoride sources produces GeF5− anions with octahedral coordination around Ge atom due to polymerization.[6] The structural characterization of a discrete trigonal bipyramidal GeF5− anion was achieved by a "naked" fluoride reagent 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolium fluoride.[7]
Uses
In combination with disilane, germanium tetrafluoride is used for in the synthesis of SiGe.[1]
^Mallouk, T. E.; Desbat, B.; Bartlett, N. (1984). "Structural Studies of salts of cis and trans μ-Fluoro-Bridged Polymers of Pentafluorogermanate(1-) and of the Pentafluorogermanate(1-) Monomer". Inorganic Chemistry. 23 (20): 3160–3166. doi:10.1021/ic00188a027.
^Alič, B.; Tramšek, M.; Kokalj, A.; Tavčar, G. (2017). "Discrete GeF5– Anion Structurally Characterized with a Readily Synthesized Imidazolium Based Naked Fluoride Reagent". Inorganic Chemistry. 56 (16): 10070–10077. doi:10.1021/acs.inorgchem.7b01606. PMID28792216.