Zirconium trifluoride

Zirconium trifluoride is an inorganic chemical compound with the chemical formula ZrF₃.^[1] This is a salt of zirconium and hydrofluoric acid, forms black crystals.

Zirconium trifluoride

Names
IUPAC name trifluorozirconium
Other names Zirconium(III) fluoride
Identifiers
CAS Number	13814-22-7
Properties
Chemical formula	ZrF3
Appearance	black crystals
Density	4,26 g/cm3
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Infobox references

Synthesis

Zirconium difluoride can be prepared by the action of atomic hydrogen on thin layers of zirconium tetrafluoride, at a temperature of approximately 350°.^[2][3]

Zirconium (III) fluoride can be obtained by reacting hydrogenated zirconium with a mixture of hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen at 750 °C.^[4]

2 Zr + 6 HF ⟶ 2 ZrF₃ + 3 H₂

It is also possible to prepare it by reducing (NH₄)₂ZrF₆ with hydrogen at 650 °C.^[5]

Physical properties

ZrF₃ forms black crystals of cubic system, in the space group Pm3m.

It is slightly soluble in hot water, slightly soluble in hot acids. Insoluble in caustic soda and ammonia solution. Its crystal structure corresponds to that of rhenium(VI) oxide.^[4]

Chemical properties

ZrF₃ disproportionates to the tetrafluoride when heated to 1300 °C:^[3]

4 ZrF₃ → 3 ZrF₄ + Zr