Zirconyl chloride

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Zirconyl chloride
Names
IUPAC name
Dichloro(oxo)zirconium
Other names
Basic zirconium chloride
Chlorozirconyl
Dichlorooxozirconium
Zirconium chloride oxide
Zirconium dichloride oxide
Zirconium oxychloride
Zirconyl chloride octahydrate
Properties
[Zr4(OH)8(H2O)16]Cl8(H2O)12
Molar mass 1289.00 g/mol
Appearance White solid
Odor Odorless
Melting point Decomposes
Boiling point Decomposes
Soluble
Solubility Insoluble in acetone, conc. HCl, hydrocarbons
Hazards
Safety data sheet Sigma-Aldrich
Flash point Non-flammable
Lethal dose or concentration (LD, LC):
400 mg/kg, (rat, intraperitioneal)
Related compounds
Related compounds
Zirconium tetrachloride
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Zirconyl chloride is probably the most important, stable and water-soluble zirconium compound. Often referred to as ZrOCl2.8H2O, its true structure is much more complicated and represented by: [Zr4(OH)8(H2O)16]Cl8(H2O)12.

It should not be confused with anhydrous zirconium tetrachloride - ZrCl4.

Properties

Chemical

At high temperatures, this compound will dehydrate.

Physical

It is highly soluble in water but insoluble in conc. HCl.

Availability

It is sold by chemical suppliers.

Preparation

The compound can be prepared by dissolving freshly prepared zirconium hydroxide - Zr(OH)4 - in strong, hot HCl. The obtained solution is then boiled in, in the presence of plenty acid reserve (to prevent hydrolysis). Alternatively, a solution of zirconyl chloride can be gassed with HCl gas to saturation, upon which pure ZrOCl2.8H2O then crystallizes out. You can find a preparation here.

Zirconyl chloride solutions precipitate Zr(OH)4 with ammonia solutions, which can then be dissolved in any relevant acid, after filtering and washing.

Projects

  • Make zirconia

Handling

Safety

May be harmful, wear proper protection.

Storage

In closed bottles.

Disposal

Best to try to recycle it.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads