Zirconium hydroxide

Description

Zirconium hydroxide, often called hydrous zirconia is a water-insoluble, slightly alkaline amphoteric oxide, which is widely used in the preparation of pigments, glass, dyes and other industries, and is also an important intermediate for the preparation of other zirconium compounds.

Chemical properties

White, bulky, amorphous powder.Decomposes to ZrO2 at 550C. Soluble in dilute mineral acids; insoluble in water and alkalies.

The Uses of Zirconium hydroxide

Zirconium hydroxide is used in the pigment, dye, and glass colorants. The compound also is used to prepare zirconium oxide, sulfate, phosphate, and other salts.

Preparation

Zirconium hydride precipitates on adding sodium hydroxide solution to an aqueous solution of zirconium salt:
ZrCl4 (aq)+ 4NaOH(aq) → Zr(OH)4 (s) + 4NaCl(aq)

Reactions

When heated at 550°C the hydroxide decomposes to oxide:
Zr(OH)4 → ZrO2 + 2H2O
Reacitons with mineral acids followed by crystallization forms corresponding zirconium salts. Thus hydrochloric, sulfuric, and phosphoric acids yield chloride, sulfate and phosphate of zirconium respectively.

Properties and Applications

Zirconium Hydroxide is a highly water insoluble crystalline Zirconium source for uses compatible with higher (basic) pH environments.