Zirconium difluoride

Zirconium difluoride is an inorganic chemical compound with the chemical formula ZrF2.

Synthesis
Zirconium difluoride can be prepared by the action of atomic hydrogen on thin layers of zirconium tetrafluoride, at a temperature of approximately 350°.

Physical properties
ZrF2 forms black crystals of orthorhombic system, cell parameters a = 0.409 nm, b = 0.491 nm, c = 0.656 nm.

The compound readily ignites and burns to form zirconium dioxide.

Chemical properties
ZrF2 disproportionates when heated to 800 °C:
 * 2ZrF2 -> ZrF4 + Zr