C1-C4 hydrocarbon release in the preparation of SiF4 through Na2SiF6 pyrolysis

Article abstract of DOI:10.1134/S0020168511120089

Hydrocarbon impurities in silicon tetrafluoride originate from the sodium hexafluorosilicate used as a precursor for the preparation of SiF₄ through the thermal decomposition of Na₂SiF₆. We have studied the fraction of C₁-C₄ hydrocarbons released as a function of temperature during the thermal decomposition of sodium hexafluorosilicate. The lighter hydrocarbons-methane, ethane, and ethylene-are shown to be released at lower temperatures. One source of hydrocarbon impurities in sodium hexafluorosilicate is the sodium carbonate used to prepare it.