Question

What inspired N. Bartlett for carrying out reaction between Xe and PtF₆?

Answer 1

Neil Bartlett initially carried out a reaction between oxygen and PtF₆. This resulted in the formation of a red compound, `O_2^(+)[PtF_6]^(-)`.

Later, he realized that the first ionization energy of oxygen (1175 kJ/mol) and Xe (1170 kJ/mol) is almost the same. Thus, he tried to prepare a compound with Xe and PtF₆. He was successful and a red-coloured compound, `Xe^+[PtF_6]^(-)` was formed.

Answer 2

N. Bartlett observed that PtF₆reacts with O₂to give an compound O₂+ [PtF₆]^–.

PtF₆ (g) + O₂ (g) ——–>O₂+[PtF₆]^–

Since the first ionization enthalpy of Xe (1170 kJ mol^-1 )is fairly close to that of 02 molecule (1175 kJ mol^-1 ), he thought that PtF₆ should also oxidise Xe to Xe⁺. This inspired Bartlett to carryout the reaction between Xe and PtF₆. When PtF₆and Xe were made to react, a rapid reaction took place and a red solid, Xe+[PtF₆]^– was obtained