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| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name Plutonium(III) fluoride | |
| Systematic IUPAC name Plutonium(3+) fluoride | |
| Other names Plutonic fluoride Plutonium fluoride Plutonium trifluoride | |
| Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol) | |
| ChemSpider |
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| Properties | |
| PuF3 | |
| Molar mass | 301 g·mol−1 |
| Appearance | Violet, opaque crystals |
| Density | 9.3 g cm−3 |
| Melting point | 1,396 °C (2,545 °F; 1,669 K)[2] |
| Boiling point | 2,000 °C (3,630 °F; 2,270 K) (decomposes)[1] |
| Related compounds | |
Otheranions | Plutonium(III) chloride |
Othercations | Samarium(III) fluoride |
Related plutonium chlorides | Plutonium tetrafluoride Plutonium hexafluoride |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in theirstandard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
Plutonium(III) fluoride orplutonium trifluoride is thechemical compound composed ofplutonium andfluorine with theformula PuF3. This salt forms violet crystals. Plutonium(III) fluoride has theLaF3 structure where the coordination around the plutonium atoms is complex and usually described as tri-cappedtrigonal prismatic.[3]
A plutonium(III) fluorideprecipitation method has been investigated as an alternative to the typical plutonium peroxide method of recovering plutonium from solution, such as that from anuclear reprocessing plant.[4]A 1957 study by theLos Alamos National Laboratory reported a less effective recovery than the traditional method,[5] while a more recent study sponsored by theUnited StatesOffice of Scientific and Technical Information found it to be one of the more effective methods.[6]
Plutonium(III) fluoride can be used for manufacture of theplutonium-gallium alloy instead of more difficult to handle metallic plutonium.
