a method of formulating an organo - zirconium compound is accomplished by combining in solution a dialdehyde such as glyoxal with zirconium carbonate . the reacting solution forms an organo - zirconium compound and carbon dioxide which is evolved as a gas from the solution . this eliminates the need to filter or wash the organo - zirconium compound in order to remove undesirable by - products . the organo - zirconium compound can be used as a crosslinking agent for crosslinking aqueous polymer gels used in fracturing fluids for fracturing subterranean formations of oil and gas wells .