Uranium hexafluoride (UF<sub>6</sub>) is highly utilized material feedstock for uranium enrichment processes and reacts readily with atmospheric humidity. The reaction intermediates of the associated hydrolysis reaction are debated in the literature. Here we have used molybdenum hexafluoride as a non-radioactive substitute for uranium to study the gas phase hydrolysis of metal hexafluorides. The reaction kinetics of molybdenum hexafluoride (MoF<sub>6</sub>) are interrogated using femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy. Samples are cryogenically deposited on the surface of a diamond substrate kept at liquid nitrogen temperatures (~-193 °C) to form inert layers which are then desorbed by a femtosecond IR laser pump pulse. The desorbed molecules are allowed to react, and the reaction progress is monitored by a femtosecond infrared probe pulse. The resulting reaction species and kinetics are compared to theoretical values and previously monitored condensed phase reaction intermediates.

Monitoring the gas phase reaction dynamics of MoF6 by femtosecond pump-probe IR spectroscopy

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.