In the solid state, the compound features platinum(IV) in octahedral coordination geometry.

[2] The compound was first reported by Henri Moissan by the fluorination of platinum metal in the presence of hydrogen fluoride.

[6] A solution of platinum tetrafluoride in water is coloured reddish brown, but it rapidly decomposes, releasing heat and forming an orange coloured platinum dioxide hydrate precipitate and fluoroplatinic acid.

When heated in contact with glass, silicon tetrafluoride gas is produced along with the metal.

Ammonium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, and rare earth including lanthanum fluoropalatinate salts are soluble in water.