Difference between revisions of "Tellurium"

Revision as of 19:35, 4 August 2015

Tellurium is the element with symbol Te and atomic number 52.

Chemical Properties

It is usually found in -2, +2, +4 and +6 oxidation states. It has chemical properties similar to Selenium, being dissolved by Sulphuric and Nitric acid and potassium hydroxide solutions but not in water. It corrodes copper, iron and stainless steel when it's molten. It reacts with oxygen in air, hydrogen and with halogens. It burns with a blueish grey flame. Although being midly toxic, it is infamous for making you smell really bad so don´t handle it without correct safety equipment.

Physical Properties

It is a solid, whitish-silvery, crystalline element which has a nice, metallic luster. It's a brittle and easily powderized metalloid. It's a good semiconductor, and conductivity increases slightly when exposed to light. It melts at 450 Cº and boils at almost 1000 Cº.

Availability

Tellurium is one of the rarest stable elements on Earth's crust. Applications are scarce, most commonly used in electronics and solar panels. Prices are high and it has few uses for home chemists, in adittion to collecting elements.

Safety

Wear appropiate protection when handling it or it's compounds. Cadmium telluride is highly toxic.