Thermal properties of rhodium(III) chloride

Thermal decomposition of rhodium(III) chloride under inert, oxidative and reductive gas atmospheres was investigated in order to determine its thermal properties. Stoichiometries of the reactions occurring during heating are described. it is suggested that the chemical formula of soluble rhodium(III) chloride should be presented as RhCl₃·HCL·xH₂O. Cold crystallisation of anhydrous rhodium(III) chloride at a temperature of about 500°C was established. The procedure for quantitative determination of volatile matter (water and hydrochloric acid) content and rhodium content by thermogravimetry is given and discussed. The repeatability and reproducibility of the method are estimated. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.