Question

Which method is used for refining Zr and Ti? Explain with equation.

Answer 1

van Arkel method is used for refining Zr and Ti. In this method crude metal is heated with iodine to form volatile unstable compound. The compound is then decomposed to get pure metal.

\[\ce{\underset{Impure}{Zr(s)} + 2I2 ->[870K] ZrI4}\]

\[\ce{ZrI4 ->[1800K] \underset{Pure}{Zr} + 2I2}\]

\[\ce{\underset{Impure}{Ti} + 2I2 ->[523K] TiI4(g)}\]

\[\ce{TiI4 ->[1700K] \underset{Pure}{Ti} + 2I2}\]