Zr(IV) tetra-acac chelate; pale-yellow crystalline solid or 50% IPA/toluene solution; bidentate chelation.

SZ-AcAc — zirconium tetrakis(acetylacetonate), Zr(C₅H₇O₂)₄, CAS 17501-44-9 — is a fully-chelated Zr(IV) compound with four bidentate acetylacetonate (acac) ligands forming six-membered Zr-O-C-C-C-O chelate rings around the central Zr atom. Molecular formula C₂₀H₂₈O₈Zr, molecular weight 487.6 g/mol. The compound is a pale-yellow crystalline solid (melting point 195°C with decomposition) that SEMITECH supplies in two forms: (1) the dry crystalline solid at ≥98% purity, packed in HDPE-lined cardboard drums; (2) a 50% by weight solution in IPA or toluene for ready dosing into solvent-borne paint formulations.

SZ-AcAc is the zirconium analogue of titanium acetylacetonate (TET / Tyzor AA) — same chelation chemistry, similar functional role as a “blocked” or “latent” Zr(IV) Lewis acid that resists premature hydrolysis. Bidentate acac chelation extends hydrolytic stability from minutes (bare SZ-TPZ in moisture) to days (SZ-AcAc in damp solvent) and weeks (SZ-AcAc in sealed solvent-borne paint formulation). The acac ligands are released on heating (above 100°C) or on acidic pH-shift, exposing active Zr(IV) for crosslinking. CoA verification: ZrO₂ assay 24.5–25.5% (in dry compound; equivalent to 12.3–12.8% in 50% solution), water content ≤0.3%, free acetylacetone ≤0.5%.

Acac chelates lock Zr against hydrolysis; thermal or pH-shift activation releases active Zr for hydroxy-resin crosslinking.

SZ-AcAc operates as a latent Zr(IV) crosslinker for hydroxy-functional resins (alkyd, polyester, acrylic-OH) in solvent-borne paint and primer formulations. At room temperature in a 1K solvent-borne system, the chelated acac ligands resist hydrolysis and the catalyst sits dormant — extending pot-life from hours (with bare SZ-TPZ) to weeks or months. Activation occurs via two main mechanisms: (1) thermal — heating above 100°C during paint dry-down or oven cure dissociates one acac ligand, exposing active Zr(IV) for crosslinking; (2) acid-induced ligand exchange — atmospheric CO₂ + moisture in the dry-down film, or acidic pigment surfaces (some red iron oxide grades, lead-free corrosion-inhibitor pigments), protonate the acac ligand and release active Zr.

• Loading 0.3–0.6% Zr on resin solids — solvent-borne 1K alkyd primer; salt-spray uplift
• Loading 0.6–1.0% on resin solids — high-build anti-corrosive primer (200+ µm DFT)
• Loading 0.5–1.5% on resin solids — marine deck paint and immersion-service coatings
• Loading 1.0–2.0% on resin solids — solvent-borne ink crosslinker for high-temperature offset and roto-gravure

Once activated, SZ-AcAc catalyses the dehydration condensation of two hydroxyl groups on adjacent resin chains, forming Zr-O-C ester bridges that act as covalent crosslinks in the dry film. The resulting crosslink density improves chemical resistance (immersion service in fuel, hydraulic oil, brackish water), thermal stability (intact film performance to 150–180°C), and salt-spray durability (200–500 hour uplift in standard formulations). Compatibility: SZ-AcAc is fully compatible with alkyd, polyester, acrylic-OH, epoxy-OH, and modified-PU binders in pH range 4–9; it is incompatible with strongly acidic substrates (acac protonation = premature activation in package) and with primary amines (ligand exchange destabilises the catalyst on storage).

Anti-corrosive primer (largest), marine deck paint, high-build epoxy crosslinker, solvent-borne ink, alkyd paint film hardener.

Solvent-borne anti-corrosive primer for industrial machinery, agricultural equipment, structural steel, and oil-and-gas pipelines uses SZ-AcAc at 0.3–1.0% on resin solids to deliver salt-spray performance comparable to chromate conversion coating without the regulatory burden. Typical formulation: alkyd resin or polyester-OH + zinc phosphate corrosion-inhibitor pigment + iron oxide pigment + SZ-AcAc 0.5% — gives 500–800 hour ASTM B117 salt-spray rating on prepared cold-rolled steel. Marine deck paint and immersion-service coatings use SZ-AcAc at 0.5–1.5% in two-pack epoxy or chlorinated rubber formulations to provide additional Zr-O ester crosslinking that enhances immersion-water resistance, fuel resistance, and chemical resistance.

High-build epoxy primer (200+ µm DFT, often single-coat to specified thickness) for offshore platforms, bridge structures, and storage tanks uses SZ-AcAc at 0.6–1.0% as a network-strengthening crosslinker compatible with both polyamide and polyamine epoxy curing agents. Solvent-borne ink crosslinker for offset and roto-gravure inks printing on metal and plastic substrates uses SZ-AcAc at 1.0–2.0% on binder solids to crosslink hydroxy-functional alkyd and polyester resins during 80–150°C drying ovens, providing rub resistance, water resistance, and improved adhesion. Alkyd paint film hardener for industrial overcoats and vehicle refinish topcoats uses SZ-AcAc at 0.3–0.5% as a co-drier alongside cobalt and manganese siccatives, providing through-film hardening that conventional Co/Mn driers cannot achieve in deep-section films.

CoA per shipment; 25 kg HDPE drums; 12-month sealed shelf life; tolerates ambient humidity unlike bare SZ-TPZ.

SEMITECH issues a CoA on every batch with: ZrO₂ assay (gravimetric ignition, target 24.5–25.5% in dry compound or 12.3–12.8% in 50% solution), free acetylacetone (HPLC, target ≤0.5%), water content (Karl Fischer, target ≤0.3%), melting point (DSC, target 193–197°C for solid form), and APHA colour. Standard packing: dry crystalline form in 25 kg HDPE-lined cardboard fibre drums; 50% IPA or toluene solution form in 25 kg HDPE jerrycans. MOQ 25 kg for either form. Lead time 2–4 weeks ex-Zhejiang to Asia ports, 4–6 weeks to Europe and North America after sea freight transit.

Storage: chelation provides excellent hydrolytic stability — SZ-AcAc tolerates ambient humidity and does not require nitrogen-blanket storage. Recommended: store sealed below 30°C in original packaging; the dry crystalline form is stable for 24 months sealed; the 50% IPA solution has 12-month shelf life sealed (IPA solvent is the limiting factor — solvent loss on extended storage shifts the assay). Hazards: dry SZ-AcAc is a mild skin and eye irritant (acac ligand); the 50% IPA solution is flammable (IPA flash point 22°C, flammable storage class). Toluene solution form has lower flash point (~6°C) and additional toxicity concerns from toluene; use IPA form for general industrial applications. Cost positioning: SZ-AcAc Q1 2026 ex-Zhejiang spot CNY 75,000–95,000/MT (USD 10.5–13.3/kg) for dry compound; Kenrich-equivalent zirconium acetylacetonate distributor pricing North America USD 18–25/kg dry — 30–45% landed-cost discount for SEMITECH supply. REACH and regulatory: REACH-registered for industrial use; not subject to organotin or organochrome restrictions. Standard SDS in EU/GHS format issued with every shipment.

SZ-AcAc is the chelated solvent-borne zirconate — the Zr counterpart of titanate Tyzor AA. Hydrolytically stable for weeks in solvent-borne formulations vs minutes for bare SZ-TPZ. Use 0.3–1.0% in anti-corrosive primer, marine deck paint, high-build epoxy. Activates by heat or acid pH during cure; tolerates ambient handling.

Two forms stocked: dry crystalline ≥98% and 50% IPA solution. CoA per batch.