Synthesis of β-ZrClN by Thermal Decomposition of Zirconium(IV) Amide Trichloride

Abstract

The zirconium amide trichloride ZrCl₃(NH₂)·7NH₃ was prepared by the reaction of ZrCl₄ with liquid ammonia. On heating up to 600°C in flowing ammonia gas, the amide was efficiently converted into β-ZrClN, whereas under vacuum it was decomposed to a different product. The decomposition processes were followed by using a quartz spring balance.