- Source: Hexafluorophosphazene
Hexafluorophosphazene is an inorganic compound with the formula (NPF2)3. It takes the form of a white powder or lumps. It is sensitive to moisture and heat.
Structure
The molecule has a cyclic, unsaturated P3N3 backbone consisting of alternating phosphorus and nitrogen atoms, and can be viewed as a trimer of the hypothetical compound N≡PF2 (phosphazyl difluoride). Its classification as a phosphazene highlights its relationship to benzene. Hexafluorophosphazene has a hexagonal P3N3 ring with six equivalent P–N bonds. Each phosphorus atom is additionally bonded to two fluorine atoms.
The molecule possesses D3h symmetry, and each phosphorus center is tetrahedral.
The P3N3 ring in hexachlorophosphazene deviates from planarity and is slightly ruffled (see chair conformation). By contrast, the P3N3 ring in hexafluorophosphazene is completely planar.
