Magnetic-Field Deflection of XeF6

Abstract

The deflection of a molecular beam of XeF₆ has been measured in an inhomogeneous magnetic field. From the similarity of the deflection of XeF₆ and SF₆ and the difference with the deflection of O₂ it is concluded that gaseous XeF₆ at room temperature does not contain a paramagnetic component greater than ∼1% in abundance. This conclusion is not consistent with Goodman's hypothesis that a low‐lying ³T_u state of XeF₆ is appreciably populated at room temperature.