PREPARATION OF METALLIC THORIUM DIIODIDE
Reaction of sublimed ThI/sub 4/ and excess, high purity thorium in sealed tantalum containers at about 800 c- results in the quantitative formation of the gold-colored ThI/sub 2/ on the surface of the metal. The compound is stable in tantalum up to 883 c- , where it decomposes incongruently to Th(s) and iodide-rich liquid of composition ca ThI/ sub 3.4/. The metallic character suggested by the appearance of the diiodide is confirmed by its very low electrical resistance and by its diamagnetism (X/sub M/ = (-80 surface proces 20) x 10/sup -6/ e.m.u.). The compound is therefore not a true thorium (II) salt but probably should be formulated as Th/sup 4+/(I/sup -/ )/sub 2/(e/sup -/)/sub 2/, w ith the electrons in a metal-like conduction band. There is no evidence for an analogous ThBr/sub 2/. Correlation of the results with earlier, contradictory studies of the ThI/sub 4/-Th system is substantially lacking, as these have claimed only dark colored thorium dihalides.'' It is concluded that many prior reports of these compounds probably were vitiated by extensive side reactions with the glass containers. Similar container reactions have evidently also affected prior studies of the black, diamagnetic phase near or above ThI/sub 3/ in composition. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Ames Lab., Ames, Iowa
- NSA Number:
- NSA-17-025185
- OSTI ID:
- 4677029
- Report Number(s):
- IS-572; 0020-1669
- Journal Information:
- Inorganic Chemistry (U.S.) , Journal Name: Inorganic Chemistry (U.S.) Vol. Vol: 2; ISSN INOCA
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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