Zirconium oxychloride

Chemical properties

Zirconium oxychloride exists as white silky crystals, soluble in water and alcohol. With water, the octahydrate is formed as tetragonal white needles. It is extremely hygroscopic and decomposes to zirconium tetrachloride (ZrCl4) and zirconium oxide (ZrO2) at 250 C. It is also formed as the octahydrate [13520-92-8] as white, tetrahedral crystals that are very soluble in water, ethyl alcohol, ether, and methanol, among others, but only slightly soluble in hydrochloric acid. When heated to decomposition, it emits toxic fumes of hydrogen chloride.

The Uses of Zirconium oxychloride

Textile, cosmetic and grease additive, antiperspirant, water repellents, chemical reagent, zirconium salts, in lakes and toners of acidic and basic dyes, oil-field acidizing aid.

The Uses of Zirconium oxychloride

Building block for a new series of mixed zirconium phosphonates which may have uses in catalysis, ion exchange or photophysics.

Definition

ChEBI: Zirconyl chloride is a zirconium coordination entity consisting of zirconium(IV) bound to oxygen via a double bond and to two chlorines.

Reactivity Profile

Acidic salts, such as Zirconium oxychloride, are generally soluble in water. The resulting solutions contain moderate concentrations of hydrogen ions and have pH's of less than 7.0. They react as acids to neutralize bases. These neutralizations generate heat, but less or far less than is generated by neutralization of inorganic acids, inorganic oxoacids, and carboxylic acid. They usually do not react as either oxidizing agents or reducing agents but such behavior is not impossible. Many of these compounds catalyze organic reactions.

Health Hazard

Has only a mild pharmacological action. Inhalation of dust may irritate nose and throat. Contact with eyes or skin causes irritation.

Flammability and Explosibility

Not classified

Safety Profile

Poison by intraperitoneal route. Moderately toxic by ingestion and subcutaneous routes. Questionable carcinogen with experimental neoplastigenic data. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Cl-. Used as an antiperspirant. See also ZIRCONIUM COMPOUNDS and CHLORIDES.

Purification Methods

Crystallise it repeatedly from 8M HCl to give ZrOCl2.8H2O (see below). On drying, ZrOCl2.6H2O, m 150o, is formed. The product is not free from hafnium. [Blumenthal J Chem Ed 39 607 1962.]