Reactions of cadmium sulphate and oxide in the molten lithium nitrate–potassium nitrate eutectic

Abstract

Cadmium sulphate reacts at 440 °C in pure lithium nitrate–potassium nitrate eutectic, but at much lower temperatures when Lux–Flood bases (Na₂O₂, Na₂O, and Na[OH]) are present, in accord with the relative availability of oxide ions. The product is cadmium oxide, except in the presence of moisture or hydroxide when cadmium hydroxide is formed preferentially. Cadmium oxide does not catalyse decomposition of the melt, and there is no evidence for the formation of anionic cadmate species.