Tb4

Tb4, also known as Thorium tetrabromide, is an inorganic chemical compound with the formula ThBr4. It is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water and alcohol. Tb4 is a member of the thorium halide family and is a relatively stable compound.

Thorium tetrabromide can be synthesized through various methods, including the reaction of thorium dioxide with hydrogen bromide gas at high temperatures or the direct reaction of thorium metal with bromine. It is often prepared in an inert atmosphere due to the reactivity of thorium metal.

This compound has found limited but notable applications. It has been investigated as a component in molten salt nuclear reactors due to its ability to dissolve thorium, a fertile material for nuclear fuel production. The high neutron transparency and thermal stability of ThBr4 make it a candidate for certain reactor designs. Additionally, Tb4 has been studied for its use in optical materials and as a potential precursor for other thorium-containing compounds. Research into its properties continues, particularly concerning its behavior in high-temperature environments and its role in advanced nuclear fuel cycles. Its chemical properties are characteristic of heavy metal halides, exhibiting ionic bonding with some degree of covalent character.