SOME PROPERTIES OF POTASSIUM HEXAFLUORONICKELATES(III) AND-(IV) . ABSORPTION SPECTRA OF NICKEL(III) AND-(IV) IN HYDROGEN FLUORIDE SOLUTIONS

Visible and near-ultraviolet absorption spectra have been obtained for K3NiF6, K2NiF6, and solutions of K2NiF6 in hydrogen fluoride. Spectra of the solutions are shown at several stages during the reduction of nickel(IV) to nickel(III) and -(II). Nickel(III) and -(IV) species have also been produced by anodic oxidation of nickel metal in hydrogen fluoride solutions. The highly reactive species may be intermediates in the fluorination of organic compounds by the Simons process, since nickel anodes are used in Simons electrolysis cells. Infrared spectra of K3NiF6, K2NiF6, and solid phases from the nickel solutions are reported. Oxygen is shown to be the chief gaseous product in hydrolysis reactions of the complex salts. © 1969, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.