Why must we convert TiO2 into TiCl4 before reacting it with Na or Mg to obtain titanium?
Titanium oxide (rutile) has an extremely high melting point (>1800oC), while TiCl4 is actually a liquid at room temperature. This, combined with other thermodynamic factors, means the reaction can be carried out at a much lower temperature using the chloride. This lower energy consumption more than makes up for the cost of the chlorine needed to convert the TiO2 to TiCl4.
