Synthesis, Bonding, Basic Properties
With one more valence electron than diamagnetic TiCl4, VCl4 is a paramagnetic liquid. It is one of only a few paramagnetic compounds that is liquid at room temperature.
VCl4 is prepared by chlorination of vanadium metal. VCl5 does not form; Cl2 lacks the oxidizing power to attack VCl4. In contrast, the heavier analogues NbCl5 and TaCl5 are stable and not particularly oxidizing. Of course, VF5 does exist, reflecting the increased oxidizing power of F2 vs Cl2. Indicative of its oxidizing power, VCl4 releases Cl2 at its boiling point (standard pressure) to afford vanadium(III) chloride.
Read more about this topic: Vanadium Tetrachloride
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