Concept:
In uranium extraction (nuclear metallurgy), UF$_4$ (green salt) is an important intermediate.
It is prepared by hydrofluorination reaction:
\[
UO_2 + 4HF \rightarrow UF_4 + 2H_2O
\]
Step 1: Identify starting compound.
The standard industrial route starts from uranium dioxide:
\[
UO_2
\]
Step 2: Reaction mechanism.
HF reacts with oxide to form fluoride:
- oxygen removed as water
- uranium converted to UF$_4$
Final Answer:
\[
\boxed{\text{Uranium dioxide}}
\]