Plutonium tetrachloride

Plutonium tetrachloride is an inorganic compound of plutonium and chlorine with the chemical formula PuCl₄.^[1][2]

Plutonium tetrachloride

Names
IUPAC name Plutonium tetrachloride
Identifiers
CAS Number	161280-01-9 N
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID90615460
InChI InChI=1S/4ClH.Pu/h4*1H;/q;;;;+4/p-4 Key: QNJPYBOCFFOTGM-UHFFFAOYSA-J
SMILES [Cl-].[Cl-].[Cl-].[Cl-].[Pu+4]
Properties
Chemical formula	PuCl4
Molar mass	386 g·mol−1
Structure
Crystal structure	tetragonal
Related compounds
Other anions	Plutonium tetrafluoride
Other cations	Neptunium tetrachloride Uranium tetrachloride
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Infobox references

Synthesis

The compound is formed when plutonium trichloride is put in a stream of chlorine:^[3]

PuCl₃ + 1/2 Cl₂ → PuCl₄

Physical properties

The compound is not stable as a solid; however, it is known in the gas phase.^[4]: 1095

Uses

A mixture of uranium tetrachloride and plutonium tetrachloride is used as fuel for nuclear reactors.^[5]