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Zirconium(IV) bromide

Zirconium(IV) bromide is the inorganic compound with the formula ZrBr<sub>4</sub>. This colourless solid is the principal precursor to other Zr–Br compounds.

Preparation and properties

ZrBr<sub>4</sub> is prepared by the action of bromine on zirconium oxide via a carbothermic reaction:

ZrO<sub>2</sub> + 2C + 2Br<sub>2</sub> → ZrBr<sub>4</sub> + 2CO

Like many related tetrahalides, it is purified by sublimation.

It can also be prepared by treatment of the borohydride complex with hydrogen bromide:

Zr(BH<sub>4</sub>)<sub>4</sub> + 4HBr → ZrBr<sub>4</sub> + 4H<sub>2</sub> + 2B<sub>2</sub>H<sub>6</sub>

Like related tetrabromides of Ti and Hf, ZrBr<sub>4</sub> hydrolyzes readily to give the oxybromide, with release of hydrogen bromide.

Structure

No single crystal X-ray study of ZrBr<sub>4</sub> has been described. Some reports suggest that it is isostructural with TiCl<sub>4</sub> and TiBr<sub>4</sub>, featuring tetrahedral metal centers. Other studies indicate a polymeric structure. ZrCl<sub>4</sub> is polymeric in the solid state, featuring octahedral Zr centers.

References