Titanium Ammonium Oxalate: Method for Obtaining and Uses
Titanium ammonium oxalate is an organometallic compound derived from the reaction of titanium dioxide and ammonium oxalate. It is a white solid widely used as a reagent in diverse applications in organic synthesis and in electroplating. In industry, it is used as a corrosion-resistant additive in paints and coatings, and in the production of semiconductor devices.
The traditional method of obtaining titanium ammonium oxalate is based on the high temperature reaction of titanium dioxide with aqueous solutions of ammonium oxalate. The reaction occurs rapidly and yields a stable white solid. It has been used in the production of semiconductor devices, paper coating, paints, power transmission equipment, and industrial coatings. It has also been used in the manufacture of glazes, enamels, and metal finishing materials.
The synthesis of titanium ammonium oxalate requires the careful selection of several parameters such as the concentration of the ammonium oxalate, the tempature of the reaction, and the agitation of the medium. The reaction is typically performed at temperatures above 170 °C and pressures over 0.3 atm. Depending on the application, other additives such as sulfuric acid or alkali metal compounds can be employed in order to adjust the properties of the reaction mixture.
Once the reaction is complete, the titanium ammonium oxalate is separated from the medium by filtration. After being washed with deionized water, the compound is dried and stored.
Titanium ammonium oxalate has many industrial applications. Among these, the most important is its use as a component of electroplating baths. It is also used as a corrosion resistant additive in paint and coatings, and its use as a reagent in organic synthesis is well established.
Titanium ammonium oxalate is a strong reducing agent and its presence in electroplating baths helps to reduce and dissolve metals. It can be used to obtain copper, nickel, copper-nickel, zinc, and gold plating. It also acts as an accelerator for electroplating processes and can improve the adhesion of the coating.
Another important use of titanium ammonium oxalate is its application in organic synthesis. It can be used as an initiator in organic polymerizations, or as a catalyst for several organic reactions. It has also been used as a reagent for the Knovenagel reaction, the Knoevenagel condensation and the Claisen ester condensation.
Titanium ammonium oxalate can be obtained from commercially available titanium dioxide and ammonium oxalate using the traditional high temperature and pressure method. Its many uses makes it an important reagent in a wide range of industrial applications. Although its use has declined in recent years due to the development of other reagents, it is still an important component of electroplating baths and reagent in organic synthesis.
