Potassium hexafluorozirconate

Potassium hexafluorozirconate is an inorganic compound of potassium, fluorine, and zirconium with the chemical formula K2ZrF6.

Preparation
Potassium hexafluorozirconate can be prepared from precipitation from solutions:
 * 2KF + ZrF4 -> K2ZrF6↓
 * 2KCl + (NH4)2ZrF6 -> K2ZrF6↓ + 2NH4Cl

Also, in industry, it is obtained by sintering zirconium ore concentrates with K2SiF6 at 600–700 °C.

Physical properties
Potassium hexafluorozirconate forms an odorless white crystalline powder.

It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C 2/c (space group No. 15).

Uses
Potassium hexafluorozirconate is used as an intermediate product in the electrolytic production of metallic zirconium.

It is also used as a flame retardant for wool, grain refining agent in magnesium and aluminum alloys, welding flux, and optical glass component.