Potassium hexafluorozirconate

Chemical Properties

White crystals. Soluble in water (hot).

Uses

Dipotassium hexafluorozirconate is used in the production metallic Zirconium.

Uses

For manufacture of metallic zirconium.

General Description

A white crystalline solid. The primary hazard Potassium hexafluorozirconate the threat posed to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit its spread to the environment. Potassium hexafluorozirconate is slightly soluble in water. Potassium hexafluorozirconate is used in metal processing, as a catalyst in chemical manufacture, and for other uses.

Air & Water Reactions

Soluble in hot water [Hawley].

Reactivity Profile

Acidic inorganic salts, such as Potassium hexafluorozirconate, are generally soluble in water. The resulting solutions contain moderate concentrations of hydrogen ions and have pH's of less than 7.0. They react as acids to neutralize bases. These neutralizations generate heat, but less or far less than is generated by neutralization of inorganic acids, inorganic oxoacids, and carboxylic acid. They usually do not react as either oxidizing agents or reducing agents but such behavior is not impossible. Many of these compounds catalyze organic reactions.

Health Hazard

INHALATION: Irritation, nose bleed possible. SKIN: May cause granulomatous reactions. INGESTION: Burning pain in the mouth and throat, vomiting, watery or bloody diarrhea, retching anuria, liver damage and collapse.

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of F and K2O. See also FLUORIDES and ZIRCONIUM COMPOUNDS.

Purification Methods

Recrystallise it from hot water (solubility is 0.78% at 2o and 25% at 100o).