Titanic Hydroxides

The ortho- and meta- hydroxides, Ti(OH)₄ and TiO(OH)₂, are generally believed to exist, and there are probably other hydroxides which are of the nature of condensed acids. There are no natural titanates which reach the degree of complexity shown by the natural silicates, neither is a form of titanic acid known which is definitely analogous to β-stannic acid, Sn₅O₅(OH)₁₀; nevertheless, as will appear, there is reason to believe that titanic acid may exist in complex molecules.

Orthotitanic acid, Ti(OH)₄, is obtained as a voluminous, white precipitate when ammonia or alkali hydroxide or carbonate is added to a cold hydrochloric acid solution of a titanate. Whilst it remains fully hydrated it is soluble in dilute hydrochloric, sulphuric, and strong organic acids, forming the corresponding salts, but on heating it loses water and passes into more complex and less soluble hydrates. Even in contact with water it gradually passes into the meta-acid, and on ignition forms the dioxide with evolution of light.