Thorium trichloride

(Redirected from Thorium(III) chloride)

Thorium trichloride is a binary inorganic compound of thorium metal and chlorine with the chemical formula ThCl3.[1][2][3]

Thorium trichloride
Names
IUPAC name
Trichlorothorium
Other names
Thorium(III) chloride
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
  • InChI=1S/3ClH.Th/h3*1H;/q;;;+3/p-3
    Key: LQPUBIDKGBFLMP-UHFFFAOYSA-K
  • Cl[Th](Cl)Cl
Properties
Cl3Th
Molar mass338.39 g·mol−1
Appearancecrystals
Related compounds
Related compounds
Americium trichloride, uranium trichloride
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).

Synthesis

The compound can be prepared by reducing thorium tetrachloride at 800°C:[4]

3Th + ThCl4 → 4ThCl3

Also a reaction of both elements:[5]

2Th + 3Cl2 → 2ThCl3

Other reactions are also known.[6]

Physical properties

The compound forms crystals of the uranium trichloride crystal system.

Chemical properties

Above 630 °C thorium trichloride dissociates into the dichloride and tetrachloride.

Uses

Thorium trichloride is supposed[clarification needed] to be used in a dual fluid reactor as reactor fuel.[7]

References