Tantalum ethoxides synthesis

The metal salts of alcohols are called alkoxides, M(OR), where M is a metal and R is an alkyl group. Typical examples in the synthesis of ferroelectric thin films include titanium isopropoxide [Ti(OPr )4 where Pr represents isopropyl], tantalum ethoxide [Ta(OEt)5 where Et represents ethyl], and zirconium butoxide butanol [Zr(OBu )4 n-BuOH where Bu represents -butyl], an alkoxide/alcohol compound. The structure of this compound, shown in Figure 27.3a, illustrates its dimeric nature, that is, the fact that each molecule contains two metal centers. 

The direct electrochemical synthesis of metal alkoxides by the anodic dissolution of metals into alcohols containing conducting electrolytes was initially demonstrated by Szilard in 1906 for the methoxides of copper and lead.19 More recently the method has received some attention particularly in the patent literature.29-25 The preparation of the ethoxides of silicon, titanium, germanium, zirconium and tantalum by electrolysis of ethanolic solutions of NH Cl has been patented, although the production of the ethoxides was found to cease after several hours.24,25... 

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