Would a noble gas react with a radical?

In summary, noble gases are known for their lack of reactivity, hence their name. While compounds with noble gases have been created, the amount of energy required for the reaction is usually impractical. As you move down the list of noble gases, their reactivity increases due to their larger size and weaker hold on outer electrons, resulting in compounds like XeF6. A chart of ionization energies for noble gases can be found at http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/chemical/ionize.html. It is also worth noting that noble gases tend to only react with fluorine, as mentioned by gravenewworld. Attempts to create compounds with lower homologues of xenon have proven to be difficult.
  • #1
alpha_wolf
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... or would it be inert to it as well? And if this depends on the particular gas and radical, could you give an example of when a reaction would/wouldn't occur?
 
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  • #2
Noble gases are called noble gases for one reason, they never react (usually). Noble gas compounds have been made, but the ionization energy required in order to react noble gases for the most part is rediculous and serves no practical purpose. As you go down the list of noble gases, the easier they can react since they are bigger and hold their outer electrons less tightly which is why you will see Xe compounds like XeF6. This site has a pretty good chart of ionization energies for the noble gases. http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/chemical/ionize.html
 
  • #3
Noble gases, as gravenewworld also mentioned, almost never prefer to react with compounds other than fluorine. Only fluorides were obtained with xenon, lower homologues are indeed hard to be reacted.
 

1. Would a noble gas react with a radical?

No, noble gases are highly stable and unreactive due to their full outer electron shells. They do not readily form chemical bonds with other elements, including radicals.

2. What is a radical?

A radical is a molecule or atom with an unpaired electron in its outer shell, making it highly reactive and unstable. Radicals are involved in many chemical reactions and can be formed through various means, such as UV radiation or high temperatures.

3. Can a noble gas be transformed into a radical?

Yes, it is possible for a noble gas to be transformed into a radical through the process of ionization. This involves removing an electron from the outer shell of the noble gas, resulting in an unpaired electron and the formation of a radical.

4. Are there any conditions in which a noble gas may react with a radical?

In some extreme conditions, such as in a plasma state or under high pressure, it is possible for a noble gas to react with a radical. However, these reactions are not common and require specific experimental conditions.

5. How do noble gases and radicals interact in the environment?

Noble gases and radicals do not typically interact in the environment due to the low concentrations of radicals and the high stability of noble gases. However, they can play important roles in atmospheric chemistry, such as in the formation of ozone and other pollutants.

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