Zirconyl Chloride Octahydrate | Zirconium Oxychloride Supplier

Zirconyl Chloride Octahydrate at a Glance

Zirconyl Chloride Octahydrate, also known as Zirconium Oxychloride Octahydrate or ZOC, is a water-soluble inorganic zirconium compound with the formula ZrOCl₂·8H₂O and CAS No. 13520-92-8.

It is widely used as an intermediate for manufacturing zirconia, zirconium salts, advanced ceramic materials, catalysts, refractories and specialty surface-treatment products. Commercial material is normally supplied as white to slightly yellowish needle-like crystals or crystalline powder.

We supply Zirconyl Chloride Octahydrate against agreed zirconium content, impurity limits, grade, packaging and documentation requirements. The final contractual specification and batch Certificate of Analysis should take precedence over general values shown on this page.

• Product name: Zirconyl Chloride Octahydrate

• Common abbreviation: ZOC

• Alternative name: Zirconium Oxychloride Octahydrate

• CAS number: 13520-92-8

• Formula: ZrOCl₂·8H₂O

• Molecular weight: Approximately 322.24 g/mol

• Appearance: White to slightly yellow crystalline material

• Chemical family: Inorganic zirconium salt

• Primary role: Zirconium chemical intermediate

• Water solubility: Soluble

Chemical Identity and Reference Properties

These values are identification information rather than guaranteed sales specifications. Physical characteristics and analytical results can vary with grade, test method and hydration condition.

Understanding Zirconyl Chloride Assay and ZrO₂ Content

Zirconyl Chloride Octahydrate is sold using more than one concentration basis. Buyers should identify the basis before comparing supplier specifications.

Octahydrate Assay

Laboratory and reagent grades are frequently expressed as a percentage of ZrOCl₂·8H₂O. Values such as 98% or 99% normally refer to the assay of the hydrated compound under a specified analytical method.

ZrO₂ Plus HfO₂ Basis

Industrial grades are commonly specified by their zirconium content calculated as ZrO₂, often including naturally associated hafnium and reported as ZrO₂+HfO₂.

The theoretical ZrO₂ equivalent of ideal ZrOCl₂·8H₂O is approximately 38.2%. Commercial industrial grades may have lower guaranteed values because of free moisture, acidity and other components.

Why These Values Cannot Be Compared Directly

A specification stating “98% ZrOCl₂·8H₂O” is not equivalent to “36% ZrO₂+HfO₂.” One describes the hydrated-compound assay, while the other expresses zirconium and hafnium on an oxide-equivalent basis.

Every quotation should therefore state:

• The reported analyte

• Whether hafnium is included

• The calculation basis

• The analytical method

• Whether results are reported as received or on a dry basis

Typical Quality Parameters

The required limits should be selected according to the downstream product rather than using one general industrial specification for every application.

Available Zirconyl Chloride Octahydrate Grades

ZOC-35 Industrial Grade

ZOC-35 is an industrial grade defined around its principal oxide-equivalent content. It may be suitable for general zirconium-compound production, refractory treatment, paper or textile processing and other applications that do not require the tighter impurity profile of ZOC-36 or high-purity material.

Confirm the applicable standard, test method and minimum ZrO₂+HfO₂ value before ordering.

ZOC-36 Industrial Grade

ZOC-36 generally provides a higher guaranteed ZrO₂+HfO₂ content than ZOC-35. It is commonly evaluated for zirconia production, ceramic applications, catalysts and downstream zirconium chemicals.

A “36%” designation does not by itself define limits for iron, silica, titanium, sodium or insoluble matter. These parameters must be reviewed separately.

High-Purity Zirconyl Chloride Octahydrate

High-purity material is intended for processes in which trace metals can affect color, catalytic activity, electrical properties, particle formation or final ceramic performance.

Relevant controls may include:

• Higher hydrated-compound assay

• Low iron

• Low silicon

• Low titanium

• Low alkali metals

• Controlled calcium and magnesium

• Defined hafnium content

• Low water-insoluble matter

• Lot-specific trace-metal analysis

Reagent and Analytical Grade

Reagent-grade ZOC is normally supplied in smaller packaging with defined assay and analytical documentation. It may be used in research, laboratory synthesis, analytical chemistry and development work.

Laboratory grade should not automatically be considered suitable for regulated manufacturing. Qualification must be based on the actual specification, process and documentation requirements.

Why Zirconyl Chloride Octahydrate Is a Useful Zirconium Precursor

ZOC is widely used because it provides a water-soluble source of zirconium. It can be introduced into aqueous precipitation, hydrolysis, sol-gel and conversion processes without first requiring dissolution of zirconium oxide.

Its main processing advantages include:

• High zirconium content in a soluble precursor

• Compatibility with aqueous processing

• Controlled precipitation of zirconium hydroxide or hydrated zirconia

• Suitability for producing zirconium salts and oxides

• Availability in industrial and high-purity grades

• Established use in ceramic, refractory and catalyst supply chains

Final particle size, surface area, phase composition and purity depend on the complete downstream process rather than the precursor alone.

Zirconyl Chloride Octahydrate Applications

Zirconyl Chloride Octahydrate is primarily used as an upstream inorganic intermediate. Its application value comes from conversion into zirconia, other zirconium compounds or zirconium-containing functional materials.

Zirconia and Advanced Ceramics

ZOC is a major precursor for producing zirconium dioxide through precipitation, hydrolysis and calcination processes.

The resulting zirconia may be used in:

• Structural ceramics

• Wear-resistant ceramic components

• Grinding media

• Oxygen sensors

• Thermal-barrier materials

• Dental and biomedical ceramics

• Electronic ceramics

• Ceramic pigments and opacifiers

High-purity ceramic applications generally require tighter control of iron, silicon, titanium, sodium and other trace elements.

Zirconium Compounds

Zirconyl Chloride Octahydrate is used to manufacture downstream zirconium chemicals such as:

• Zirconium carbonate

• Basic zirconium carbonate

• Zirconium hydroxide

• Zirconium acetate

• Zirconium sulfate

• Zirconium nitrate

• Zirconium phosphate

• Stabilized zirconia precursors

• Specialty zirconium complexes

The required ZOC grade depends on the purity and regulatory requirements of the final zirconium compound.

Catalysts and Catalyst Supports

ZOC can serve as a precursor for zirconia-based catalysts, catalyst supports and mixed-metal oxides. Zirconia surface acidity, basicity and thermal stability make it useful in selected catalytic systems.

For catalyst applications, buyers may need to control:

• Alkali-metal impurities

• Iron and transition metals

• Sulfate or chloride residues

• Surface-area development

• Particle morphology

• Hafnium content

• Lot-to-lot consistency

Refractories and Ceramic Glazes

Zirconium compounds derived from ZOC can improve thermal resistance, chemical durability and surface performance in refractory and glaze systems.

Typical uses include:

• Refractory treatment agents

• Ceramic glaze additives

• High-temperature coatings

• Foundry and investment-casting materials

• Zirconium-containing pigments

Compatibility should be validated in the customer’s firing profile and formulation.

Paper and Textile Treatment

ZOC may be used as a crosslinking, insolubilizing or surface-treatment component in selected paper and textile formulations.

Potential functions include:

• Improving water resistance

• Supporting coating insolubilization

• Modifying fiber surfaces

• Enhancing selected binder systems

• Serving as a precursor for zirconium-based crosslinkers

Performance depends on pH, binder chemistry, addition sequence and formulation conditions.

Paint, Coating and Ink Formulations

Zirconium derivatives produced from ZOC may be used as driers, crosslinkers, adhesion promoters or functional additives in selected coating systems.

The buyer should evaluate chloride content, solution compatibility, pH, color and interaction with the resin or binder.

Rubber and Specialty Chemical Processing

Industrial ZOC may be used as a zirconium source or additive precursor in rubber, chemical treatment and specialty-material processes. Suitability should be confirmed through application testing rather than relying only on the main-content value.

How to Select the Correct ZOC Grade

If a process is sensitive to hafnium, request a separately defined low-hafnium grade. Standard ZOC frequently contains hafnium naturally associated with zirconium.

Dissolution and Processing Considerations

Zirconyl Chloride Octahydrate is soluble in water and produces an acidic solution. Dissolution behavior can depend on concentration, temperature, mixing, free acid and insoluble-matter content.

During process development, evaluate:

• Desired solution concentration

• Water quality

• Addition sequence

• Solution pH

• Mixing efficiency

• Filtration requirements

• Hydrolysis or precipitation conditions

• Chloride removal requirements

• Equipment corrosion resistance

• Wastewater and chloride management

Do not assume that a clear laboratory solution will behave identically in concentrated industrial processing.

Packaging, Storage and Handling

Available packaging may include moisture-resistant bags, fiber drums, plastic drums or other approved industrial formats. Actual packaging, pallet configuration and minimum order quantity should be confirmed in the quotation.

Store Zirconyl Chloride Octahydrate:

• In its original, tightly closed packaging

• In a cool, dry and ventilated warehouse

• Protected from moisture and package damage

• Away from incompatible alkaline materials

• Away from food, feed and uncontrolled storage areas

• In accordance with the current supplier SDS and local regulations

Because the product is hygroscopic, prolonged exposure to humid air can affect flowability and analytical results.

Safety and Transport Considerations

Zirconyl Chloride Octahydrate and its acidic solutions can cause severe eye damage and corrosive effects. Dust formation and direct contact should be minimized.

Appropriate controls may include:

• Enclosed transfer or local dust extraction

• Chemical-resistant gloves

• Protective clothing

• Safety goggles and face protection

• Accessible eyewash and emergency shower

• Controlled spill collection

• Corrosion-resistant processing equipment

Transport classification can vary with product form, composition, supplier SDS and jurisdiction. Confirm the correct UN number, hazard class and packing group from the current shipment-specific Safety Data Sheet before arranging transport.

This page does not replace the SDS or a workplace risk assessment.

Documentation for Supplier Qualification

Depending on grade and market, buyers may request:

• Certificate of Analysis

• Safety Data Sheet

• Technical Data Sheet

• Product specification

• Country-of-origin statement

• Manufacturing-site information

• Batch traceability

• Particle or crystal appearance

• Trace-metal analysis

• Hafnium declaration

• Regulatory inventory status

• Packaging specification

• Change-notification policy

Documentation availability should be confirmed before placing an order.

What to Include in a Zirconyl Chloride RFQ

For an accurate quotation, provide:

1. Product name and CAS number

2. Required grade: ZOC-35, ZOC-36, high-purity or reagent grade

3. Required ZrO₂+HfO₂ content

4. Hydrated-compound assay, if applicable

5. Maximum iron, silicon, titanium and sodium

6. Hafnium requirement

7. Maximum water-insoluble matter

8. Required test methods

9. Packaging size

10. Order quantity and annual demand

11. Delivery country, city or port

12. Intended application

13. Required regulatory and quality documents

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Zirconyl Chloride Octahydrate?

Zirconyl Chloride Octahydrate is a water-soluble inorganic zirconium compound with the formula ZrOCl₂·8H₂O. It is mainly used as an intermediate for producing zirconia and other zirconium chemicals.

Is Zirconyl Chloride Octahydrate organic or inorganic?

It is an inorganic compound. It belongs to the family of hydrated zirconium oxychloride salts.

Is it a fine chemical or a chemical intermediate?

Its primary industrial classification is an inorganic chemical intermediate. High-purity and reagent grades may also be marketed as fine inorganic chemicals.

Are Zirconyl Chloride and Zirconium Oxychloride the same product?

In commercial use, Zirconyl Chloride Octahydrate and Zirconium Oxychloride Octahydrate normally refer to ZrOCl₂·8H₂O, CAS No. 13520-92-8.

Is Zirconyl Chloride Octahydrate soluble in water?

Yes. It is soluble in water and forms an acidic aqueous solution.

What is the difference between ZOC-35 and ZOC-36?

The designations normally distinguish industrial grades by their main ZrO₂+HfO₂ content. ZOC-36 has a higher minimum oxide-equivalent content, but individual impurity limits must still be compared.

Does 36% ZrO₂ mean the product is only 36% pure?

No. ZrO₂ percentage is an oxide-equivalent method of reporting zirconium content. It is not the same as the assay percentage of ZrOCl₂·8H₂O.

Why is hafnium included with zirconium?

Naturally occurring zirconium minerals usually contain hafnium, and the two elements are difficult to separate. Industrial specifications therefore often report combined ZrO₂+HfO₂.

Which impurities are important for ceramic applications?

Iron, silicon, titanium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and hafnium may be important. The required limits depend on the ceramic’s color, electrical properties, phase composition and final use.

What information should appear on the Certificate of Analysis?

A useful CoA may include ZrO₂+HfO₂, iron, silica, titanium, sodium, insoluble matter, free acid and appearance. High-purity grades may require a broader trace-metal profile.

Request a Zirconyl Chloride Octahydrate Quote

Send us your required ZOC grade, analytical basis, impurity limits, packaging, quantity and destination. We will confirm the applicable specification, documentation, packing options and commercial terms.

For zirconia, catalyst or advanced-ceramic applications, include your maximum permitted iron, silicon, titanium, sodium and hafnium levels so that the correct grade can be evaluated.