titantetrachlorid

Titanium tetrachloride is a colorless liquid with the chemical formula TiCl4. It is often referred to as titanous tetrachloride. This compound is a crucial intermediate in the production of titanium metal and titanium dioxide pigments. Titanium tetrachloride is highly reactive, particularly with water, producing titanium dioxide and hydrochloric acid. This reaction is vigorous and releases a significant amount of heat. Due to its reactivity, it is stored and handled with care, typically in sealed containers to prevent contact with moisture in the air. Titanium tetrachloride fumes when exposed to moist air, creating a characteristic white cloud. This fuming property is utilized in some military applications, such as smoke screens, although this is a less common use. Its primary industrial importance lies in its role as a precursor for producing high-purity titanium metal through the Kroll process, and for manufacturing the widely used white pigment titanium dioxide. The compound has a pungent odor and is corrosive.