Synthesis of anhydrous metal chlorides by the action of chlorocarbon solvents on some metal oxides and sulfides

Abstract

Anhydrous metal chlorides have been prepared by the action of chlorocarbon solvents on some metal oxides and metal sulfides. Octachlorocyclopentene converted Nb(V), Fe(III), Ti(IV), and V(V) oxides to anhydrous Nb(V), Fe(III), Ti(IV), and V(III) chlorides, respectively, at the normal boiling point of the solvent (285°C). This solvent converted W(VI), V(V), and Mo(IV) oxides to WOCl 4, VOCl 3, and MoOCl 3, respectively, whereas MoO 3 gave a mixed product. Iron pyrite, FeS 2, and FeS gave FeCla 3 when reacted with octachlorocyclopentene. A number of other metal oxides and sulfides proved to be unaffected by this chlorinating agent at its normal boiling point. Hexachlorocyclopentadiene converted WO 3 to WOCl 4 but gave little or no metal chloride with Fe 2O 3, FeS, and FeS 2. Hexachloropropene also showed no reaction with certain metal sulfides.