Properties and reactions of uranium hexafluoride by ion cyclotron resonance spectroscopy

Journal Article · Thu Jan 15 04:00:00 EST 1976 · J. Chem. Phys., v. 64, no. 2, pp. 718-723

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.432217· OSTI ID:4094047

Beauchamp, J L

Ion cyclotron resonance spectroscopy has been employed to investigate the formation and reactions of both positive and negative ions derived from uranium hexafluoride. Positive ion reactions are dominated by processes whereby the various UF$sup +$/subn/ fragments (n=1--3,5) react to form UF$sup +$$sub 4$, and by clustering of UF$sup +$/subn/ (n=3--5) with UF$sub 6$. Trapped negative ion studies indicate that UF$sup -$$sub 6$ can be generated both by electron attachment, which is unusually slow, and by electron transfer from other species, including UF$sup -$$sub 5$, SF$sup -$$sub 6$, and Cl$sup -$. In addition, UF$sup -$$sub 7$ is observed, both in UF$sub 6$ alone, and in higher abundance when fluoride donors such as SF$sup -$$sub 5$ are present. Certain limits on the thermochemical properties of ions derived from UF$sub 6$ have been determined, and a high electron affinity is indicated for UF$sub 6$. The species UF$sup - $$sub 6$ is especially stable and much less reactive than SF$sup -$$sub 6$ in mixtures with acidic neutrals. The propensity of negative ions derived from UF$sub 6$ to form clusters is substantially less than observed for positive ions. (AIP)

• Research Organization: Arthur Amos Noyes Laboratory of Chemical Physics, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-33-019753
• OSTI ID: 4094047
• Journal Information: J. Chem. Phys., v. 64, no. 2, pp. 718-723, Journal Name: J. Chem. Phys., v. 64, no. 2, pp. 718-723; ISSN JCPSA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

*URANIUM HEXAFLUORIDE-- ELECTRON ATTACHMENT
*URANIUM IONS-- CYCLOTRON RESONANCE
400702* --Chemistry--Radiochemistry & Nuclear Chemistry-- Properties of Radioactive Materials
AFFINITY
IONIZED GASES
N40420* --Chemistry--Radiochemistry & Nuclear Chemistry-- Properties of Radioactive Materials