Potassium hexafluorozirconate

Potassium hexafluorozirconate is an inorganic compound of potassium, fluorine, and zirconium with the chemical formula K2ZrF6.[1][2]

Potassium hexafluorozirconate
Names
Other names
dipotassium hexafluorozirconate, potassium zirconium hexafluoride, potassium fluorozirconate
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard100.037.244 Edit this at Wikidata
EC Number
  • 240-985-6
  • InChI=1S/6FH.2K.Zr/h6*1H;;;/q;;;;;;2*+1;+4/p-6
    Key: BJZIJOLEWHWTJO-UHFFFAOYSA-H
  • F[Zr-2](F)(F)(F)(F)F.[K+].[K+]
Properties
F6K2Zr
Molar mass283.411 g·mol−1
Appearancewhite crystalline powder
Density3.48 g/cm3
soluble
Hazards
GHS labelling:
GHS06: Toxic
Danger
H301, H315, H319, H335
P301, P302, P305, P310, P330, P351, P352
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).

Preparation

Potassium hexafluorozirconate can be prepared from precipitation from solutions:

2KF + ZrF4 → K2ZrF6
2KCl + (NH4)2ZrF6 → K2ZrF6↓ + 2NH4Cl

Also, in industry, it is obtained by sintering zirconium ore concentrates with K2SiF6 at 600–700 °C.[3]

Physical properties

Potassium hexafluorozirconate forms an odorless white crystalline powder.

It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C 2/c (space group No. 15).[4]

Uses

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,[5] grain refining agent in magnesium and aluminum alloys, welding flux, and optical glass component.[6]

References