Tantalum chloride
[CAS# 7721-01-9]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Organometallic compound >> Organic scandium, tantalum, thallium, tungsten, antimony, lanthanum, lead, vanadium, molybdenum, chromium, ytterbium, etc.
• Name: Tantalum chloride
• Synonyms: Pentachlorotantalum; Tantalum chloride; Tantalum pentachloride
• Molecular Formula: TaCl₅
• Molecular Weight: 358.21
• CAS Registry Number: 7721-01-9
• EC Number: 231-755-6
• SMILES: Cl[Ta](Cl)(Cl)(Cl)Cl

Properties

• Solubility: Soluble (absolute alcohol and KOH)
• Density: 3.68 g/mL
• Melting point: 214-216 °C
• Boiling point: 242 °C

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS05;GHS07 Danger
• Risk Statements: H302-H314-H335
• Safety Statements: P260-P271-P280-P301+P312-P303+P361+P353-P305+P351+P338

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1B	H314
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Substances or mixtures corrosive to metals	Met. Corr.	1	H290

Discovery and Applications

Tantalum chloride (TaCl₅) is an important compound in the fields of materials science and catalysis. It was discovered in the early 20th century and has become key to a variety of industrial and technological applications due to its unique properties.

Tantalum chloride was first synthesized in 1922 by German chemist Werner Fischer. Fischer's work involved chlorinating tantalum (a rare metal named after Tantalus from Greek mythology) to produce tantalum chloride. The compound is a white or yellowish powder and has since been studied for its unique chemical behavior and usefulness.

Tantalum chloride is known for its high melting point (about 2850°C) and is stable at high temperatures. It is highly reactive with water, forming tantalum pentoxide (Ta₂O₅) and hydrochloric acid. This property is fully utilized in various chemical processes. Tantalum chloride is also soluble in alcohols and certain organic solvents, which facilitates its use in various chemical reactions.

Tantalum chloride is a valuable catalyst in organic synthesis. It is used in the production of various chemicals, including petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. Its ability to act as a Lewis acid enables it to effectively promote reactions such as alkylation and acylation.

In materials science, tantalum chloride is a precursor for the deposition of tantalum metal and tantalum-based compounds. These materials have excellent electrical conductivity and high melting points, which are necessary for the production of high-performance electronic products, including capacitors and semiconductors.

Tantalum chloride plays an important role in the electronics industry, especially in the production of tantalum capacitors. These capacitors are stable and reliable in high-temperature environments , ideal for use in advanced electronics and aerospace applications.

The compound is also used to produce tantalum-based coatings and alloys. These materials are highly resistant to corrosion and wear, making them ideal for use in harsh environments, such as those encountered in chemical processing and the aerospace industry.

Ongoing research is exploring new applications for tantalum chloride, particularly in the areas of nanotechnology and advanced materials. Innovations in processing and application techniques are expected to expand its role in emerging technologies and sustainable practices.

In summary, tantalum chloride is a versatile compound with important applications in catalysis, materials science, electronics, and coatings. Its discovery paved the way for major advances in various industrial fields, and its future applications are expected to continue to drive technological advancements.

References

2023. TaCl5 in the synthesis of amides from saturated monobasic carboxylic acids and functionally substituted primary aromatic amines. Russian Chemical Bulletin, 72(10).
DOI: 10.1007/s11172-023-4032-6

1956. Die Reduktion der Pentachloride und Pentabromide des Niobs und Tantals mit Wasserstoff in der elektrischen Entladung. Monatshefte für Chemie und verwandte Teile anderer Wissenschaften, 87(5).
DOI: 10.1007/bf00899589

1954. Die halbquantitative Wolframbestimmung in Niob-Tantal-Präparaten und die Abtrennung des Wolframs von Niob und Tantal. Fresenius' Zeitschrift für analytische Chemie, 141(1).
DOI: 10.1007/bf00433663