Study of the reactivity of chalcogen hexafluorides with graphite

The intercalation reaction of chalcogen hexafluorides, EF6 (E=S, Se, Te), with graphite was investigated. It occured only under a fluorine atmosphere and first stage intercalation compounds were obtained with TeF6 or SeF6, as well as a partial graphite fluorination. SF6 did not intercalate but catalyzed the complete fluorination of graphite. All compounds were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, infrared and 19F NMR spectroscopies. Entities, such as TeF6 and SeF6 were identified. Others, such as EF7−, EF82−, …, and possible SeFn polymeric forms could exist. In all cases, the presence of fluorinated graphite was found.