Producing Zirconium (Zr)

Zr: Zirconium

Klaproth (Germany) discovered in 1789, and Berzelius (Sweden) separated in 1824.

Abundance: 162ppm(in the earth's crust)

Mix zircon with carbon, heat by arc.

ZrSiO4 + 4C ZrC + 3CO + SiO

React chlorine to the residue, and sublimate at 300 Cersius.

ZrC + 4Cl2 CCl4 + ZrCl4

Reduce sublimate with red hot powder of magnesium.

ZrCl4 + 2Mg Zr + 2MgCl2