Thorium trichloride

Thorium trichloride is a binary inorganic compound of thorium metal and chlorine with the chemical formula ThCl3.

Synthesis
The compound can be prepared by reducing thorium tetrachloride at 800°C:


 * 3Th + ThCl4 -> 4ThCl3

Also a reaction of both elements:


 * 2Th + 3Cl2 -> 2ThCl3

Other reactions are also known.

Physical properties
The compound forms crystals of the uranium trichloride crystal system.

Chemical properties
Above 630 °C thorium trichloride dissociates into the dichloride and tetrachloride.

Uses
Thorium trichloride is supposed to be used in a dual fluid reactor as reactor fuel.