Like all the lead tetrahalides, lead tetrafluoride [CAS: 7783-59-7], PbF4, is very reactive. It is relatively the most stable halide, however. PbF4 is a white crystalline powder, which is highly moisture sensitive, turning yellowish brown in moist air owing to hydrolysis. It should be handled in a dry box or under an atmosphere of dry nitrogen.
White tetragonal crystals; density 6.7 g/cm3; melts at about 600°C; hydrolyzes readily when exposed to moist air.
Has been proposed as a fluorinating agent for hydrocarbons.
ChEBI: Lead tetrafluoride is a lead coordination entity. It derives from a hydride of a plumbane.
The tetrafluoride is obtained by fluorination of lead difluoride. The method involves passing a mixture of fluorine and nitrogen or carbon dioxide over lead difluoride at 300°C.
PbF2 + F2 → PbF4
