Noble Gases: Inorganic ChemistryBased in part on the article Noble Gases: Inorganic Chemistry by Boris Žemva which appeared in the Encyclopedia of Inorganic Chemistry, First Edition .

Abstract

The noble gas (Ng) elements have a rich reaction chemistry despite having a filled valence shell that would indicate otherwise. Halide compounds, usually with fluorine, and various oxides are common. There is also a growing class of carbon and nitrogen derivatives. A wide range of neutral and cationic noble gas compounds can be formed as long as the added elements, or combinations of elements, possess sufficient electron affinity. The range of compounds, along with characterization data and brief bonding descriptions will be presented for each element. Many of the compounds serve as starting materials for other derivatives, including the rapidly growing field of noble gas containing transition metal complexes. For example, there is now a broad range of salts containing transition metals. The article will conclude with a brief overview of the many unusual and disparate applications being found for these elements.