Potassium hexafluorozirconate is an inorganic compound of potassium, fluorine, and zirconium with the chemical formula . It is the potassium salt of hexafluorozirconic acid, forming white monoclinic crystals.
Potassium hexafluorozirconate can be prepared by precipitation from solution. For example, by mixing potassium fluoride with zirconium tetrafluoride:
Similarly, potassium chloride and ammonium hexafluorozirconate may be used:
Also, in industry, it is obtained by sintering zirconium ore concentrates with potassium fluorosilicate at 600âÂÂ700 ðC.
Potassium hexafluorozirconate is used as an intermediate product in the electrolytic production of metallic zirconium.
It is also used as a flame retardant for wool, grain refining agent in magnesium and aluminum alloys, welding flux, and optical glass component.