What is "xenon difluoride"

n. (context chemistry English) a crystalline substance, XeF₂, used as a fluorinating agent and oxidizing agent in various surface modification processes, and as an etching agent in semiconductor production

Xenon difluoride is a powerful fluorinating agent with the chemical formula , and one of the most stable xenon compounds. Like most covalent inorganic fluorides it is moisture-sensitive. It decomposes on contact with light or water vapor. Xenon difluoride is a dense, white crystalline solid. It has a nauseating odour and low vapor pressure.