Zirconium(IV) iodide

Zirconium(IV) iodide

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Names
Other names zirconium tetraiodide
Identifiers
CAS Number	13986-26-0 N
ChemSpider	75903 Y
Jmol 3D model	Interactive image
InChI InChI=1S/4HI.Zr/h4*1H;/q;;;;+4/p-4 Y Key: XLMQAUWIRARSJG-UHFFFAOYSA-J Y InChI=1/4HI.Zr/h4*1H;/q;;;;+4/p-4 Key: XLMQAUWIRARSJG-XBHQNQODAZ
SMILES [Zr+4].[I-].[I-].[I-].[I-]
Properties
Chemical formula	ZrI4
Molar mass	598.842 g/mol
Appearance	orange-yellow crystalline hygroscopic
Density	4.914 g/cm3
Melting point	499 °C (930 °F; 772 K) (triple point)
Boiling point	431 °C (808 °F; 704 K) (sublimes)
Structure
Crystal structure	Monoclinic, mP30
Space group	P2/c, No. 13
Vapor pressure	{{{value}}}
Related compounds
Other anions	Zirconium(IV) fluoride Zirconium(IV) chloride Zirconium(IV) bromide
Other cations	Titanium tetraiodide Hafnium tetraiodide
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
N verify (what is YN ?)
Infobox references

Zirconium(IV) iodide is the chemical compound with the formula ZrI₄. It is the most readily available iodide of zirconium. It is an orange-coloured solid that degrades in the presence of water.The compound was once prominent as an intermediate in the purification of zirconium metal.

Structure

Like most binary metal halides, it adopts a polymeric structure. As characterized by X-ray crystallography, the compound exists as a polymer consisting of octahedral Zr(IV) centers, each with a pair of terminal iodide ligands and a four doubly bridging iodide ligands. The Zr-I distances of 2.692 (terminal) and 3.030 Å

Synthesis and reactions

This compound is volatile, subliming as intact tetrahedral ZrI₄ molecules. It is prepared by the direct reaction of powdered zirconium metal and iodine.

Pyrolysis of zirconium(IV) iodide gas by contact of hot wire was the first industrial process for the commercial production of pure ductile metallic zirconium. This crystal bar process was developed by Anton Eduard van Arkel and Jan Hendrik de Boer in 1925.