Answer to Question #136434 in General Chemistry for Sam

Question

The reduction of titanium (IV) chloride to titanium cannot be carried out in air. The air has to be replaced with argon gas. Explain why air needs to be replaced with argon gas for this reaction.

Answer 1

QUESTION # 136434

The reduction of titanium (IV) chloride to titanium cannot be carried out in air. The air has to be replaced with argon gas. Explain why air needs to be replaced with argon gas for this reaction.

ANSWER

Presence of traces of oxygen or nitrogen (from air) in the titanium makes the metal brittle. Magnesium used in the reduction process also reacts with both oxygen and nitrogen from the air. The reduction therefore has to be done in inert argon atmosphere rather than in air