Uranium Tetrafluoride

Source: Appendix A of the PEIS (DOE/EIS-0269)

Physical Properties

Uranium tetrafluoride (UF₄) is a green crystalline solid that melts at about 1,760°F (960°C) and has an insignificant vapor pressure. It is very slightly soluble in water. It is generally an intermediate in the conversion of UF₆ to either uranium oxide (U₃O₈ or UO₂) or uranium metal. It is formed by the reaction of UF₆ with hydrogen gas in a vertical tube-type reactor or by the action of hydrogen fluoride (HF) on uranium dioxide. UF₄ can be readily converted to either uranium metal or uranium oxide. UF₄ is less stable than the uranium oxides and produces hydrofluoric acid in reaction with water; it is thus a less favorable form for long-term disposal. The bulk density of UF₄ varies from about 2.0 g/cm³ to about 4.5 g/cm³ depending on the production process and the properties of the starting uranium compounds.

Chemical Properties

Uranium tetrafluoride (UF₄) reacts slowly with moisture at ambient temperature, forming UO₂ and HF, which are very corrosive.

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