Xenon tetrafluoride (XeF₄) is prepared by heating a mixture of xenon and fluorine in the ratio 1 : 5 in a nickel vessel at 673 K and then suddenly cooling it in acetone. XeF₄ is also formed when an electric discharge is passed through a mixture of xenon and excess of fluorine,

Structure : XeF₄ has square planar shape due to Sp³d² hybridization of Xe giving octahedral geometry with two trans positions occupied by lone pairs of electrons.

Properties : XeF₄ is a colourless, crystalline solid, soluble in anhydrous HF, reacts with H₂ to form Xe and HF and reacts with water to give highly explosive solid, XeO3 . (complete hydrolysis), 6XeF₄ + 12H₂O —> 4Xe + 2XeO₃ + 24 HF + 3O₂

Partial hydrolysis yields XeOF₂,

                     193 K
XeF₄ + H₂O ———> XeOF₂ + 2HF

It also forms addition compounds with SbF₅, XeF₄ + SbF₅ —> [XeF₃]+[SbF₆]^–.

It also acts as a strong fluorinating agent.