Question

The formation of O₂ ⁺[PtF₆]^– is the basis for the formation of xenon fluorides. This is because
(a) O₂ and Xe have comparable sizes
(b) both O₂ and Xe are gases
(c) O₂ and Xe have comparable ionisation energies
(d) Both (a) and (c)

Answer 1

(i) The first ionization energy of xenon (1, 170 kJ mol^{– 1} ) is quite close to that of dioxygen (1,180 kJ mol^–1). (ii) The molecular diameters of xenon and dioxygen are almost identical. Based on the above similarities Barlett (who prepared O₂ ⁺ [PtF₆ ] ^– compound) suggested that since oxygen combines with PtF₆ , so xenon should also form similar compound with PtF₆ .