Zirconium tetra-n-butanolate CAS 1071-76-7

Introduction

Zirconium tetra‑n‑butanolate is an organometallic compound in which the zirconium atom in the molecule is coordinated with four n-butoxy groups to form a stable structure. It is sensitive to moisture and must be handled and stored under anhydrous conditions. It is often used as a precursor, catalyst and coupling agent for zirconium oxide. It can improve the interfacial compatibility between inorganic materials and organic matrices and is widely used in ceramics, composite materials, coatings and organic synthesis.

Application

Zirconium tetra-n-butanolate reacts with chelating agents to form corresponding zirconium chelates with lower reactivity. These zirconium chelates are suitable for many applications where low reactivity is required. Zirconium tetra-n-butanolate is a Lewis acid that can be used as a catalyst in many reactions, such as esterification/transesterification reactions and polycondensation reactions. It can also be used as a Ziegler Natta catalyst for PP and PE polymerization reactions. The highly active Zirconium tetra-n-butanolate can interact with less active functional groups such as -OH and -COOH on polymers, mineral substrates and metal effective coatings, and can also promote the adhesion or cross-linking of polymers. At high temperatures (above 350°C), Zirconium tetra-n-butanolate decomposes to form zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), which forms a thin layer of zirconium dioxide on different substrates (such as glass, minerals, pigments, metals, etc.), which can improve surface hardness or increase surface activity. This product has very similar chemical properties to n-butoxy titanate, but products using zirconate are less prone to yellowing.