This invention relates to an improved process for removing trace levels of
Group IVb contaminants from a Group IVb metal tetrahalide of and
particularly to a process for removing zirconium tetrachloride from
titanium tetrachloride. The improvement resides in contacting a titanium
tetrachloride feedstock containing trace impurities of zirconium
tetrachloride or hafnium tetrachloride with a sufficient amount of
titanium hydride to convert any zirconium tetrachloride or hafnium
tetrachloride to a lower volatile compound. The resultant mixture is
distilled and the titanium tetrachloride separated from the lower volatile
zirconium or hafnium compounds.
