Why is UF6 (hexafluoride) used in commercial enrichment processes?

UF6, or uranium hexafluoride, is favored in commercial enrichment processes primarily because it exists as a gas at relatively mild temperatures. This gaseous state is crucial as it allows for efficient separation of isotopes through methods such as gas diffusion or gas centrifugation, which rely on the movement of gas particles. The gaseous nature of UF6 facilitates easier handling and processing in enrichment facilities, as it can be easily manipulated using various mechanical processes designed for gases.

The ability to work with UF6 in its gaseous form significantly enhances the practical aspects of enrichment techniques, making it more efficient compared to solid or liquid forms of uranium compounds. When uranium is converted to UF6, it can be heated to become a gas, thus enabling the separation of the lighter isotopes (such as U-235) from the heavier ones (like U-238). This property is integral to the enrichment process, allowing for the production of uranium with higher concentrations of the fissile U-235 isotope necessary for nuclear fuel.

In contrast, the other options do not adequately capture the primary reason for UF6's widespread use in enrichment. While ease of enrichment is subjective and refers to specific methods rather than the compound itself, atomic mass and abundance are not directly relevant