The chemical element Xenon has the symbol Xe in the periodic table. The atomic number of Xe is 54. Let’s explore about the element Xenon in detail.
- In 1898, Xe was found by William Ramsay and had a wide application in NMR spectroscopy.
- Xe is a component of flash lamps commonly known as Xenon flash lamps.
- Stroboscopic lamps and photography flashes both use Xe.
In this article, we will discuss various uses of Xenon gas and Xenon compounds like trioxide, tetrafluoride, hexafluoride, and difluoride in detail.
Xenon gas uses
Xenon is a trace gas, meaning that its volume contributes to less than 1% of the Earth’s atmosphere. It is a part of the gases that come out of a few mineral springs.
- Xe gas lamps are used in ruby lasers.
- Xe is used in specific speciality light sources.
- Xe gas helps in the production of lasers.
Xenon tetrafluoride uses
Xenon tetrafluoride is also known as XeF4. It is a crystalline white solid which is colourless or white in appearance.
- Silicone rubber can be contaminated with trace metals, which can be detected and analysed using XeF4.
- XeF4 is employed as a fluorinating agent and also for the manufacture of xenon.
Xenon trioxide uses
Xenon trioxide (XeO3) in its +6 oxidation state is quite unstable. XeO3 is a solid that is white, non-volatile, and deliquescent.
- The majority of compounds that may be oxidised can be oxidised by xenon trioxide, a powerful oxidising agent.
- XeO3 quantitatively oxidises carboxylic acids to carbon dioxide and water.
- Xenates are formed when XeO3 dissolves in alkaline solutions.
Xenon hexafluoride uses
Xenon hexafluoride has the chemical formula XeF6 and is a noble gas compound. It is a colourless solid that easily transforms into fumes that are quite yellow.
- For organic and inorganic substances, xenon hexafluoride can be used as a fluorinating agent.
- At room temperature, XeF6 fluorinates a wide variety of substances that do not react with elemental fluorine in the same ways.
Xenon difluoride uses
Xenon difluoride has a chemical formula XeF2 which is a strong fluorinating agent. It is one of the most stable compounds of Xe.
- Microprocessors made of silicon are etched using xenon difluoride.
- XeF2 is used to fluorinate and oxidise the hetero element in an organometallic compound but is not reactive with the alkyl or aryl groups.
- The oxidation of iodine to periodate is used as a very practical method for the detection and measurement of very minute levels of iodine and iodide.
- As fuel for ion engines, XeF2 is chosen for use in deep space to power spacecraft.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that xenon is the preferred option for high-energy research whenever a heavy, chemically inert element is required. Xe has extensive applications in light sources.
Hello everyone, I am Mansi Kapoor. I am a Postgraduate in Chemistry from the University of Delhi and have working experience as an SME in Chemistry.
By sharing the University of Delhi’s tradition of excellence, I am committed to doing better for the world through research, education, and community efforts.
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