What Is Zirconyl Chloride Octahydrate?

Zirconyl chloride octahydrate (ZrOCl₂·8H₂O), also known as zirconium oxychloride octahydrate, is an inorganic zirconium salt with CAS number 13520-92-8. It exists as white or slightly yellow crystalline solid that is hygroscopic and readily dissolves in water to form acidic solutions. In aqueous solution, the compound does not simply dissociate into Zr⁴⁺ and Cl⁻ ions; instead, it forms tetrameric zirconium hydroxide cationic clusters of the type [Zr₄(OH)₈(H₂O)₁₆]⁸⁺, which accounts for the distinctly acidic character of its solutions and its unique reactivity as a zirconium source.

The compound is commercially available in various purity grades and is supplied by Aladdin Scientific under SKU Z1530049. Its well-defined stoichiometry and high solubility make it the preferred zirconium starting material for many laboratory and industrial processes.

Key Applications in Research and Industry

Zirconyl chloride octahydrate serves as a versatile precursor across multiple disciplines:

• Zirconia (ZrO₂) synthesis: Hydrolysis or calcination of ZrOCl₂·8H₂O solutions yields zirconium hydroxide intermediates that, upon thermal treatment, produce tetragonal or monoclinic ZrO₂ nanoparticles used in ceramics, solid electrolytes, and heterogeneous catalysis.
• Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs): ZrOCl₂·8H₂O is a common zirconium node source for the synthesis of highly stable Zr-based MOFs such as UiO-66, valued for their exceptional chemical and thermal stability.
• Surface treatment and waterproofing: The compound is used industrially as a cross-linking agent for textiles and paper, imparting water repellency and wet strength.
• Catalyst preparation: Zirconium oxide catalysts derived from this precursor are active in isomerization, alkylation, and acid–base reactions.
• Analytical chemistry: ZrOCl₂ solutions are employed in gravimetric and titrimetric determinations of phosphate and sulfate ions.
• Sol–gel processing: The compound is a building block for zirconium-containing sol–gel coatings with improved mechanical and corrosion-resistant properties.

Handling, Safety, and Storage Guidelines

Although zirconyl chloride octahydrate is not classified as acutely highly toxic, it is an irritant and requires standard laboratory precautions:

• Personal protective equipment: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and a lab coat. Work in a well-ventilated area or fume hood when handling powders to avoid inhalation of dust.
• Skin and eye contact: The compound and its aqueous solutions are acidic and may cause irritation. Flush immediately with copious water for at least 15 minutes in case of contact.
• Storage: Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry location away from moisture and incompatible materials such as strong bases and strong oxidizers. The material is hygroscopic and will absorb atmospheric moisture, affecting purity and mass accuracy.
• Disposal: Dispose of waste in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations for zirconium-containing inorganic waste.
• Stability: The compound is stable under recommended storage conditions; prolonged exposure to air leads to caking due to moisture uptake.

Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) supplied by Aladdin Scientific for product-specific hazard information before use.

Purity, Grades, and Quality Considerations

The quality of zirconyl chloride octahydrate critically affects experimental reproducibility, especially in nanoparticle synthesis, catalysis, and MOF preparation. Key quality parameters include:

• Assay (purity): Reagent-grade material is typically ≥98% (on a ZrOCl₂·8H₂O basis). Higher-purity grades may be required for sensitive applications.
• Heavy metal content: Trace levels of hafnium (Hf) are naturally co-present with zirconium in mineral sources and are difficult to separate completely; most commercial grades specify Hf content. For applications requiring Hf-free zirconium, consult product specifications.
• Water content: As the octahydrate, the compound contains eight molecules of water of crystallization. Loss of water upon improper storage will alter the effective zirconium content per gram weighed out. Verify water content by thermogravimetric analysis if precision is critical.
• Lot-to-lot consistency: Aladdin Scientific performs quality control testing on each lot. Certificate of Analysis (CoA) documents are available upon request for batch-specific data.

When selecting a grade, match purity requirements to your specific application to balance cost and performance.

Ordering, Availability, and Support at Aladdin Scientific

Zirconyl chloride octahydrate is stocked by Aladdin Scientific under SKU Z1530049. To place an order or request further information:

• Search for SKU Z1530049 directly on the Aladdin Scientific website to view current pricing, pack sizes, and availability.
• Bulk or custom-quantity inquiries can be submitted through the website's quote request form or by contacting your regional Aladdin Scientific sales representative.
• Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) documents are available for download from the product page or on request from customer service.
• Technical support questions regarding reagent selection, protocol optimization, or compatibility can be directed to Aladdin's technical support team via the contact page.

Aladdin Scientific is committed to providing reliable reagents with full documentation to support your research workflows from procurement through results.