Titanium tetrachloride

Titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄) is an inorganic compound consisting of titanium and chlorine. It is a key industrial chemical widely used in the production of titanium metal, titanium dioxide (TiO₂) pigments, and as a catalyst in organic synthesis.

Physical & Chemical Properties

• Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature, fumes strongly in moist air.

• Molecular Weight: 189.68 g/mol

• Melting Point: -24°C (-11°F)

• Boiling Point: 136°C (277°F)

• Density: 1.726 g/cm³ (at 20°C)

• Solubility: Reacts violently with water (hydrolysis), soluble in organic solvents like chloroform and carbon disulfide.

• Corrosivity: Highly corrosive to metals, rubber, and skin.

Key Applications

1. Titanium Metal Production

• Intermediate in the Kroll process for refining titanium from ores (e.g., rutile or ilmenite).

2. TiO₂ Pigment Manufacturing

• Precursor in the chloride process for high-purity titanium dioxide (used in paints, plastics, and coatings).

3. Chemical Synthesis

• Catalyst in Ziegler-Natta polymerization (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene).

• Lewis acid in organic reactions (Friedel-Crafts acylation, etc.).

4. Military & Smoke Screens

• Generates dense white smoke (TiO₂ and HCl) when exposed to humid air.