TaCl5 is used in the preparation of catalyst for the polycyclotrimerizations of alkenediynes, chloro-aryloxide compounds and for the plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition of tantalum nitride films.
Its abundance is probably about 1.7 parts per million in the earth. The element is most commonly found in the minerals columbite, tantalite, and microlite. It always occurs with niobium. The only source of tantalum in North America is a mine located at Bernic Lake in the province of Manitoba in Canada.
Tantalum (Ta) is a refractory, acid resistant, ductile and easily fabricated metal with a high melting temperature (2,996° Celsius). It is a good conductor of heat and electricity.
Tantalum combines readily with other refractory metals, such as tungsten, to form alloys with high-temperature strength and stability.
Learn more about tantalum here: