Zirconium Tetrachloride

The use of transition metal salts in organic synthesis is an emerging area of research. Due to their low toxicity (LD₅₀ [ZrCl₄, oral rat] = 1688 mgKg^-1), [1] low cost, ease of handling, and high catalytic activity, the Zr(IV) compounds are potential green catalysts. ZrCl₄ is a relatively weak Lewis acid, [2] which finds uses in Friedal-Crafts reaction, [3] Diels-Alder reactions, [4] asymmetric Diels-Alder reaction, [5] [2+2]-adduct formation, [6] and intramolecular cyclization. [7] The application of ZrCl₄ in organic reactions is gaining renewed interests.

Zirconium tetrachloride may be prepared by chlorination of heated zirconium, zirconium carbide, or a mixture of ZrO₂ and charcoal. [8]

References

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