Reactions of graphite hexafluoroarsenates with fluorobases in anhydrous hydrogen fluoride

A first-stage graphite intercalation compound of a strong fluoroacid, graphite hexafluoroarsenate (C10AsF6) reacts with fluorobases such as potassium fluoride in anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (AHF) to give a second-stage compound. X-ray diffraction and XPS analyses revealed that the compound is covered with planar-sheet graphite fluoride, CxF. C10AsF6 also reacts with the solvent hydrogen fluoride, liberating AsF5 to give a mixture of the first-and second-stage compounds. Surface coverage of the material with graphite fluoride protects the bulk graphite fluoroarsenates from the attack of moisture in air. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.