Group-IIB Metals and Alloys

As a result of their reactivity, particular attention must be given to preparation and purification of the metals, the conditions under which the metals, alloys and compounds are handled and the choice of material for the containment vessel. Ultrapure group-IIB metals may be used without further purification, but it is advisable to purify the group-IIA metals by a multidistillation process, the final distillation preferably being carried out in situ. The reactants and products are best handled in an atmosphere of a purified inert gas, usually He or Ar (N2 cannot be used because of the ready formation of group-IIA metal nitrides) alternatively, they can be handled under vacuum or, in rare cases, under halide fluxes. The containment vessel is normally fabricated from a refractory. 

Kleppa, O. J. Thermodynamic Analysis of Binary Liquid Alloys of Group IIB Metals-I. The Systems Zink—Cadmium, Zink—Gallium, Zink—Indium and Zink—Tin. Acta Met. 6, 225 (1958). 

Zinc (Zn) is a bluish-white, lustrous metal and was discovered in 1746. It is extensively used to form numerous alloys with other metals. Cadmium (Cd) was discovered in 1817 from an impurity in zinc carbonate. Cd is a soft, bluish-white metal and can be easily cut with a knife. Mercury (Hg) is known to ancient Chinese and Hindus. It was found in Egyptian tombs of 1500 B.C. It is the only common metal liquid at ordinary temperatures. Hg is known to be used in making mercury-vapor lamps. Table 2.21 summarizes some physical properties of group-IIb metals. 

The alloying of Cu with group IIB to IVB metals results in a series of alloy systems with a characteristic sequence of intermetallic phases characterised by their outer electron to atom ratio (e/a), as first recognised by and named after Hume-Rothery. This behavior is attributed to the fact that the electronic structure rather than ionic radius, directed bonds, or other factors of influence for alloy formation is dominating the and crystal... 

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