Fluorine Compounds, Inorganic, Zirconium

Three binary zirconium fluorides, ZrF₂, ZrF₃, and ZrF₄, are known to exist. The most commercially important zirconium fluoride compounds are zirconium tetrafluoride and fluorozirconic acid and its salts. ZrF₄ is used in the production of heavy-metal fluoride glasses. These ultrapure glasses are utilized as optical fibers. Hexafluorozirconic acid is used in metal finishing and its alkali metal salts in the manufacture of abrasive grinding wheels. The properties, manufacture, and uses of the various zirconium fluorine-containing compounds are discussed.