ZrCl4, commonly called zirconium tetrachloride or zirconium(IV) chloride, is an inorganic zirconium compound used mainly as an intermediate and precursor for zirconium-based chemicals, ceramics, coatings, catalysts, and advanced materials. Its CAS number is 10026-11-6, and its molecular weight is approximately 233.04 g/mol. I describe it as a moisture-sensitive, corrosive solid that requires sealed packaging, controlled storage, and professionally managed handling.
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For B2B buyers, the most important points are not only chemical identity but also purity, moisture control, packaging integrity, documentation, and intended application. ZrCl4 reacts with water and atmospheric humidity, producing zirconium-containing hydrolysis products and hydrogen chloride. I therefore recommend evaluating both the material specification and the supplier’s ability to protect the product throughout storage, transport, and delivery.
ZrCl4 consists of one zirconium atom and four chlorine atoms. In commercial and laboratory use, it is generally supplied as a white to off-white crystalline or powder-like solid, although appearance can change when the material has been exposed to moisture or contaminated during handling. It is typically used as a reactive starting material rather than as a final consumer product.
Zirconium tetrachloride is sensitive to water and humid air. When exposed to moisture, it can hydrolyze and release hydrogen chloride, creating a corrosive atmosphere and potentially affecting product purity. The exact handling requirements should always be confirmed against the current safety data sheet, site risk assessment, and applicable local regulations.
| Property | Typical information | Why it matters to buyers |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical name | Zirconium tetrachloride | Confirms the intended zirconium precursor |
| Chemical formula | ZrCl4 | Supports formulation and process calculations |
| CAS number | 10026-11-6 | Helps identify the material in procurement and compliance systems |
| Molecular weight | Approximately 233.04 g/mol | Useful for stoichiometric calculations |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline solid or powder | Provides an initial visual quality check |
| Moisture sensitivity | Reacts with water and humid air | Determines packaging, storage, and transfer requirements |
Reported thermal data for ZrCl4 can vary depending on the reference method and the behavior of the compound at elevated temperature. It is commonly described as a high-temperature material with a melting point near 437 °C under relevant reference conditions, while sublimation or vapor-phase behavior may also be important in process applications. I recommend using the supplier’s certificate of analysis and technical data sheet when a precise thermal value is critical to equipment design.
The material’s moisture reactivity is often more important in day-to-day operations than its nominal appearance. A container that has been opened repeatedly in humid conditions may show caking, discoloration, pressure changes, or altered assay results. These signs do not replace analytical testing, so I advise buyers to define acceptance criteria for assay, moisture, insoluble matter, and container condition before placing recurring orders.
One of the principal roles of ZrCl4 is to serve as a starting material for the preparation of other zirconium compounds. It can participate in reactions that produce zirconium alkoxides, zirconium oxide-related materials, zirconium salts, and other intermediates. The appropriate downstream route depends on the required zirconium form, process chemistry, and purity target.
Zirconium-containing ceramics are valued in applications where thermal, chemical, or mechanical performance is important. ZrCl4 may be used as a precursor in routes for zirconia-based powders, coatings, or engineered materials. Final performance depends on the complete process, including hydrolysis control, calcination, particle-size management, and contamination control, rather than on the precursor alone.
Zirconium tetrachloride can be considered for vapor-phase or solution-based precursor systems where zirconium is deposited or converted into a zirconium-containing layer. In these applications, volatility, delivery temperature, impurity profile, and moisture exclusion can be important. Process developers should confirm precursor compatibility with the reactor, carrier gas, substrate, and exhaust-treatment system before scale-up.
ZrCl4 is also used in selected catalyst systems and organic or inorganic synthesis. Its Lewis-acid behavior and ability to form zirconium complexes can make it useful in controlled reactions. Because catalyst performance may be highly sensitive to trace water and impurities, buyers should match the grade to the reaction requirements instead of selecting solely on price.
Suppliers may offer ZrCl4 in different purity levels, particle forms, and packaging formats. A standard industrial grade may be suitable for general zirconium chemical production, while higher-purity material may be preferred for electronic materials, deposition research, or sensitive synthesis. The correct choice depends on the customer’s impurity limits, process sensitivity, and required batch consistency.
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Packaging can include moisture-barrier bags, sealed bottles, drums, or other container systems selected for hazardous and moisture-sensitive solids. I recommend confirming whether the inner liner, closure, desiccant strategy, and outer packaging are appropriate for the intended transport route. Repackaging should be minimized because every opening can increase exposure to humidity and contamination.
Before requesting a quotation, I suggest preparing a clear specification that includes assay, moisture or loss-on-drying limits, metallic impurities, insoluble residue, particle size, appearance, packaging, and required documentation. If the material will enter a regulated or highly controlled process, the buyer should also identify trace-element limits and batch-to-batch consistency requirements. A simple, measurable specification reduces disputes after delivery.
Higher purity is not automatically the best commercial choice. If the process is tolerant of certain impurities, an industrial grade may provide a more practical balance between performance and cost. Conversely, trace metals, moisture, or particles can affect sensitive deposition and synthesis processes, so I recommend validating the required grade with a small qualification batch before approving regular supply.
A reliable supplier should be able to provide product identification, batch information, a certificate of analysis where applicable, safety documentation, packaging details, and storage guidance. Buyers should also ask about minimum order quantity, production or preparation lead time, export packaging, and the supplier’s process for handling nonconforming material. These commercial details are particularly important for moisture-sensitive chemicals because delays and poor storage can reduce usability.
I recommend handling ZrCl4 in a dry, well-controlled environment with procedures designed to limit contact with atmospheric humidity. Containers should remain closed until the material is ready for use, and any transfer process should be planned before opening the package. Where the process requires it, trained personnel may use a dry glovebox, inert-gas system, or other engineered moisture-control method.
Because hydrolysis can generate hydrogen chloride and the material may be corrosive, personnel should use the protective equipment specified by the current safety data sheet and workplace assessment. This commonly includes suitable chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, eye and face protection, and effective ventilation. I do not recommend relying on odor as a warning, and I advise facilities to maintain emergency eyewash and shower equipment where the risk assessment requires it.
Spill response should be defined before receiving the product. Untrained personnel should not attempt to clean a spill involving a moisture-reactive corrosive solid, and water should not be introduced casually because it may intensify hydrolysis and corrosive vapor generation. Waste, contaminated packaging, and residues should be managed under the site’s hazardous-waste procedures and applicable regulations.
At Azeal Materials, I focus on helping industrial buyers evaluate ZrCl4 according to application, specification, packaging, and delivery requirements. We can discuss the intended use, target purity, quantity, packaging preference, documentation needs, and destination before preparing a commercial proposal. This application-first approach helps avoid selecting a grade that is technically unsuitable or unnecessarily expensive.
For repeat procurement, I also recommend agreeing on a documented specification and inspection process. Buyers can request information about available grades, package sizes, expected lead time, and shipping conditions so that internal purchasing, safety, and production teams can review the same information. Availability and lead time depend on quantity, grade, packaging, and destination, so these details should be confirmed in the quotation.
ZrCl4 is a versatile industrial and research precursor when a process requires a reactive source of zirconium. Its main advantages are its established role in zirconium chemistry and its suitability for producing a range of downstream materials, but its moisture sensitivity and corrosive hydrolysis products require disciplined handling. I recommend confirming the chemical specification, packaging system, storage conditions, and safety procedures before purchase.
If you are evaluating ZrCl4 for production, synthesis, coating, or materials development, contact Azeal Materials with your required purity, quantity, packaging, application, and destination. I can help you identify the relevant supply options and prepare a quotation based on your technical and commercial requirements.
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