| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name Plutonium(IV) chloride | |
| Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol) | |
| |
| |
| Properties | |
| PuCl4 | |
| Molar mass | 386 g·mol−1 |
| Related compounds | |
Otheranions | Plutonium tetrafluoride |
Othercations | |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in theirstandard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
Plutonium tetrachloride orplutonium(IV) chloride is an inorganic compound ofplutonium andchlorine with the chemical formulaPuCl4. While it is not known as a solid, gaseousPuCl4 is known. In addition, it is known to form several stableadducts. Thedimethoxyethane adduct,PuCl4(DME)2, has been used as a precursor to otherplutonium compounds.
The compound is formed whenplutonium trichloride is put in a stream of chlorine:[1]: 1094
The compound is not stable as a solid; however, it is known in the gas phase. When condensed, it formsplutonium(III) chloride andchlorine gas:[1]: 1094
However, several stableadducts, such as withdimethoxyethane (PuCl4(DME)2)[2] ordiphenylsulfoxide,[3] andammoniates (solids incorporatingammonia),[4] are known. The diphenylsulfoxide adduct appears as a red solid.[3]
Plutonium tetrachloride forms a stableadduct withdimethoxyethane (CH3OCH2CH2OCH3) with formulaPuCl4(DME)2 (DME=dimethoxyethane). This compound can be prepared via evaporation of ahydrochloric acid solution containing plutonium(IV), adding the product to dimethoxyethane, and then addingtrimethylsilyl chloride.[2] This adduct can be used to prepare other compounds. For example, when it is dissolved intetrahydrofuran, it is partiallyreduced to form themixed-valence complex[PuIIICl2(THF)5]+[PuIVCl5(THF)]−.(THF=tetrahydrofuran).[5] It has also been used to prepare the compoundplutonium(IV)N-(tert-butyl)isobutyramide (Pu(ita)4, ita=N-(tert-butyl)isobutyramide) through reaction withpotassiumN-(tert-butyl)isobutyramide.Pu(ita)4 has been investigated in the production ofoxidation state-pureplutonium(IV) oxide.[6]
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Plutonium tetrachloride also forms an adduct withdiphenylsulfoxide (Ph2SO). This adduct has been prepared by boiling asolution consisting of plutonium(IV)dissolved inhydrochloric acid,suspending the residue inacetonitrile, and adding to it an acetonitrile solution of diphenylsulfoxide. The resulting product has the formulaPuCl4(Ph2SO)3, and is a rare example of plutonium in its +4oxidation state with acoordination number of 7 (forming 7 bonds).[3]
When the related compounddicaesium hexachloroplutonate is reacted with liquidammonia at low temperatures, theammoniate (solid incorporating ammonia). The initial product has composition PuCl4·~7–8NH3, which decomposes over a period of weeks to formPuCl4·5NH3.PuCl4·5NH3 is stable at room temperature. Both compounds areammine complexes, meaning that the ammonia in them is bonded to the plutonium atoms.[4]
A mixture ofuranium tetrachloride and plutonium tetrachloride can be used as fuel for nuclear reactors.[7]
Even thoughbinary plutonium(IV) chloride is not known as a solid, solid compounds derived from it, such asdicaesium hexachloroplutonate (Cs2PuCl6), are known.[1]: 1094 In this compound, the +4oxidation state of plutonium is stabilized bycomplexing withcaesium chloride.[8]: 149 It is made up of discretehexachloroplutonate (PuCl2−6) ions.[1]
