Title: Zirconium Chloride
CAS Registry Number: 10026-11-6
Additional Names: Zirconium tetrachloride
Molecular Formula: Cl4Zr
Molecular Weight: 233.04
Percent Composition: Cl 60.85%, Zr 39.15%
Line Formula: ZrCl4
Literature References: In large-scale prepns zirconium oxide is converted to the carbide, which is chlorinated to yield the tetrachloride: Kroll et al., J. Electrochem. Soc. 94, 1 (1948). Lab prepn based on the equation ZrO2 + 2CCl4 ® ZrCl4 + 2COCl2: Hummers et al., Inorg. Synth. 4, 121 (1953). Toxicology study: N. A. Zhilova, A. A. Kasparov Hyg. Sanit. 31, 328 (1966). Review: Blumenthal, J. Chem. Educ. 39, 604-610 (1962).
Properties: Lustrous monoclinic crystals: Krebs, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 8, 146 (1969); idem, Z. Anorg. Allg. Chem. 378, 263 (1970). Tetrahedral symmetry in gas phase with the Zr-Cl distance of 2.33 Å. Lewis acid. Extremely hygroscopic, forms HCl vapor and gives off fumes in moist air. d 2.803. Sublimes at 331°. mp 437° under its own pressure which is about 25 atm at this temp. Decomposed by water to form ZrOCl2 and HCl; sol in alcohol, ether. LD50 in mice, rats (mg/kg): 665, 1688 orally (Zhilova, Kasparov).
Melting point: mp 437° under its own pressure which is about 25 atm at this temp
Density: d 2.803
Toxicity data: LD50 in mice, rats (mg/kg): 665, 1688 orally (Zhilova, Kasparov)
Use: Friedel-Crafts catalyst. Component of Ziegler-type catalysts in the condensation of ethylene. Starting material in the synthesis of a number of organic derivs of zirconium, such as alkoxides and zircocene. The alkoxides have been shown to be of value in the curing of silicone plastic films. The alkoxyzirconium carboxylates are said to be useful in the water-repellent treatment of textiles and other fibrous materials. |