Tetrameric zirconium(IV) compounds derived from oxozirconium(IV) chloride and heterocyclic aldimines and ketimines

Summary Interaction of ZrOCl₂:8H₂O, Zr₄(OH)₈(H₂O)₁₆]Cl₈ 12H₂O, with the heterocyclic, aldimines (PyAlA) and heterocyclic ketimines (AcPyA) in Me₂CO in the presence of HC(OEt)₃ yields white amorphous compounds of the type Zr₄(OH)₁₂(H₂O)₈(PyAlA)₂]Cl₄ and Zr₄(OH)₁₂(H₂O)₁₀(AcPyA)]Cl₄. Presumably these compounds have a tetrameric dodecahedral structure, derived from the parent. The analytical data, i.r., electrical conductance and t.g. measurements all favour the tetrameric formulation. The t.g. studies also indicate the intermediacy of complex species, which lose water and the Schiff base ligands, with increase in temperature.