Zirconium Tetrachloride (CAS 10026-11-6): Properties, Uses, and Buying Guide
Zirconium tetrachloride, identified by CAS 10026-11-6 and the formula ZrCl4, is a moisture-sensitive inorganic compound used as a precursor to zirconium materials and in selected chemical processes. It is typically supplied as a white crystalline solid and is valued where a reactive zirconium source is needed. For buyers, the most important considerations are purity, moisture control, packaging, and whether the material’s specification fits the intended process. At Azeal Materials, we recommend confirming these requirements before requesting a quotation.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website.
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is intended for procurement teams, chemical manufacturers, research organizations, and process engineers evaluating zirconium tetrachloride for production or laboratory use. It explains the compound’s basic properties, common applications, and practical sourcing considerations. It is not a substitute for the supplier’s current technical documentation or safety data sheet. Buyers should use the documents for the specific grade and lot they plan to purchase.
Basic Properties and Chemical Context
Zirconium tetrachloride is an inorganic chloride of zirconium. Its chemical formula is ZrCl4, and its molar mass is approximately 233.04 g/mol. It is commonly described as a white crystalline solid, but appearance alone cannot confirm chemical identity, purity, or suitability for a process.
The compound is moisture-sensitive and reacts with water. Hydrolysis can generate hydrogen chloride and zirconium-containing hydrolysis products, with the exact products depending on reaction conditions. This behavior makes moisture exposure a key handling and storage concern, particularly for applications that require controlled chemistry.
Zirconium tetrachloride is also known for its tendency to sublime; a commonly reported approximate sublimation temperature is 331°C. This value is general reference information, not a recommended processing condition or a guarantee for a particular commercial lot. For process design, confirm relevant thermal and handling data in the supplier’s documentation.
Useful Reference Values
| Property | Reference information | Buyer relevance |
|---|---|---|
| CAS number | 10026-11-6 | Confirms the chemical identity requested in a quotation or purchase order. |
| Formula and molar mass | ZrCl4; approximately 233.04 g/mol | Useful for stoichiometric calculations and checking product documentation. |
| Approximate sublimation temperature | 331°C | Provides general thermal context; actual processing decisions need product-specific data. |
| Theoretical zirconium content | Approximately 39.1 wt% | Calculated from the formula and atomic masses; it is not a measured assay for a supplied lot. |
The theoretical zirconium content is a calculation for pure ZrCl4, not a substitute for a certificate of analysis. Commercial material may have a stated assay and limits for specific impurities or physical properties. Always compare the actual specification with the requirements of your application.
Types, Material Options, and Specifications
Buyers may encounter differences in assay, impurity limits, physical form, particle size, and packaging. These details can vary by supplier and order, so do not assume that two products described simply as “zirconium tetrachloride” are interchangeable. Where moisture sensitivity matters, ask how the product is packed and what handling conditions are recommended.
Specifications to Review
- Assay or purity: Confirm the stated method or basis where relevant, and check whether the required level is suitable for your process.
- Impurity profile: Identify which metallic, chloride-related, or other impurities matter to your downstream use, then request applicable limits.
- Physical form: Check whether powder, crystals, or another form is available and appropriate for your dosing and handling equipment.
- Moisture and packaging: Ask about moisture-control measures, container type, and storage recommendations for the offered product.
- Documentation: Request the current SDS, technical specification, and lot-specific COA when these are required for qualification or incoming inspection.
Applications and Application Matching
Zirconium tetrachloride is used as a starting material in the preparation of other zirconium compounds and materials. Depending on the process, it may serve as a zirconium source for producing zirconia-related materials or zirconium metal. It is also used in some chemical processes as a Lewis acid or catalyst, although suitability depends on the reaction and operating conditions.
Azeal Materials contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.
Match the Material to the Process
For synthesis or materials production, begin with the required zirconium input, purity, and acceptable impurity levels. For catalytic or moisture-sensitive chemistry, evaluate how water exposure could affect reaction performance and product consistency. For research use, a smaller quantity and clear documentation may be more important than optimizing bulk logistics.
Do not select a grade solely on the basis of a broad application description. A material suitable for one zirconium compound route may not meet the impurity, physical-form, or handling requirements of another. Share the intended use and critical limits with the supplier so that the quotation can be matched to a defined specification.
Buyer Selection Framework
- Define the application. State whether the material is for synthesis, materials production, catalysis, research, or another process.
- Set acceptance criteria. Specify purity, impurity limits, physical form, and any required analytical documentation.
- Confirm moisture controls. Discuss packaging, storage, and handling practices before placing an order, especially if the product will be opened or repacked.
- Check logistics requirements. Confirm the requested quantity, destination, packaging format, and applicable shipping and import requirements.
- Review the documents and sample process. Where practical, agree on how product qualification, incoming checks, and any sample evaluation will be managed.
Pricing, MOQ, and Lead Time
The price of zirconium tetrachloride depends on factors such as requested quantity, purity, impurity limits, packaging, and delivery destination. Minimum order quantity and lead time are likewise specific to the supplier’s available product and order conditions. Because these details can change, buyers should request a current quotation rather than rely on a general market estimate.
For a useful quotation, provide the CAS number, required specification, target quantity, packaging preference, delivery location, and desired schedule. If your project has a qualification deadline, mention it early so supply options and documentation can be discussed together. A clear request helps reduce delays caused by clarifying technical or logistics requirements after the quotation stage.
Supplier Evaluation Checklist
Evaluate a supplier on whether it can clearly identify the offered material and support your specification—not only on the quoted price. Ask whether the supplier can provide product documentation, explain packaging and storage recommendations, and confirm the terms for the requested quantity and destination. For regulated or quality-managed operations, confirm that the available documentation meets your organization’s own purchasing and audit requirements.
- Does the offer identify zirconium tetrachloride and CAS 10026-11-6?
- Are assay, impurity limits, physical form, and packaging stated clearly?
- Can the supplier provide an SDS and, where applicable, a lot-specific COA?
- Are MOQ, lead time, delivery terms, and quotation validity confirmed in writing?
- Is there a clear process for questions, document review, and product qualification?
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
Zirconium tetrachloride (CAS 10026-11-6) is a moisture-sensitive zirconium chloride used as a precursor to other zirconium materials and in selected chemical applications. Its formula is ZrCl4, its molar mass is approximately 233.04 g/mol, and its reported sublimation temperature is about 331°C; these reference values do not replace lot-specific documentation. The right buying decision depends on matching assay, impurity profile, physical form, packaging, and documentation to the process.
To move forward, prepare a written specification that includes intended use, required quantity, critical quality limits, packaging needs, destination, and delivery schedule. Azeal Materials can discuss zirconium tetrachloride sourcing requirements and help clarify the information needed for a suitable quotation. Contact our team with your specification and documentation needs so we can review the appropriate supply options with you.