Titanium Chloride: A Versatile Intermediate for High-Performance Materials
Titanium chloride refers to a group of titanium-based chemical compounds that contain chlorine atoms. The most industrially significant among them is titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄), a volatile, colorless liquid that fumes in moist air and plays a crucial role in the production of titanium metal and titanium dioxide pigments.
Types of Titanium Chlorides
CompoundFormulaKey UseTitanium TetrachlorideTiCl₄Intermediate for titanium metal and TiO₂Titanium TrichlorideTiCl₃Catalyst and reducing agentTitanium DichlorideTiCl₂Research and specialized chemical synthesis
Titanium Tetrachloride (TiCl₄): The Workhorse
Molecular Formula: TiCl₄
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Boiling Point: 136.4°C
Reactivity: Highly reactive with water, producing hydrochloric acid and titanium dioxide
Manufacturing Process
TiCl₄ is typically produced by chlorinating titanium-containing ores (like rutile or ilmenite) at high temperatures in the presence of carbon. The process yields TiCl₄, which is then purified by distillation.