During the purification of Zirconium via the Van Arkel method, the impure Zirconium solid reacts wit — Metallurgy and Isolation of Elements Chemistry Question
Question
During the purification of Zirconium via the Van Arkel method, the impure Zirconium solid reacts with Iodine gas to form a highly volatile, covalent intermediate. Let $x$ be the formal oxidation state of Zirconium in this volatile compound. Determine the exact value of $x$.
Answer: 4
💡 Solution & Explanation
The volatile intermediate formed in the Van Arkel purification of Zirconium is Zirconium tetraiodide, with the chemical formula $ZrI_4$. The oxidation state of Zr in $ZrI_4$ is $+4$. Therefore, $x = 4$.
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