Tellurium Dioxide, Tellurium Oxide, Tellurium Trioxide, 7446-07-3

Tellurium Dioxide, Tellurium Oxide, Tellurium Trioxide, 7446-07-3

Tellurium(IV) oxide (CAS 7446-07-3), also known as Tellurium dioxide (TeO₂), is a rare inorganic compound valued for its optical, catalytic, and electronic properties. It appears as a white crystalline powder and is widely used in glassmaking, ceramics, catalysts, and optical devices.

🧪 Chemical Identity

• Chemical Name: Tellurium(IV) Oxide

• Synonyms: Tellurium dioxide, TeO₂

• Formula: TeO₂

• Molecular Weight: 159.60 g/mol

• CAS Number: 7446-07-3

• EC Number: 231-193-1

• Appearance: White crystalline powder

• Density: ~5.67 g/cm³ at 25 °C

• Melting Point: ~733 °C

• Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in strong acids

⚙️ Physical & Chemical Properties

• Crystal Structure: Tetragonal (paratellurite form).

• Optical Properties: High refractive index; transparent in infrared, used in acousto-optic devices.

• Catalytic Behavior: Acts as an oxidation catalyst in organic synthesis.

• Thermal Stability: Stable at ambient conditions; decomposes at very high temperatures.

• Chemical Reactivity: Reacts with concentrated acids to form tellurium salts.

📌 Applications

• Optics & Electronics:

  • Used in acousto-optic modulators, infrared optics, and nonlinear optical devices.

  • Transparent ceramics for IR windows.

• Glass & Ceramics:

  • Additive in specialty glasses to improve refractive index and optical properties.

• Catalysis:

  • Catalyst in organic oxidation reactions.

• Materials Science:

  • Research material in semiconductors and thin-film coatings.

🧾 Synonyms

• Tellurium dioxide

• Tellurium(IV) oxide

• TeO₂

• Tellurium trioxide (incorrectly used in some contexts)

🛡️ Safety & Handling

• Toxicity: Moderately toxic; may cause irritation if inhaled or ingested.

• Precautions: Use gloves, goggles, and dust masks when handling.

• Storage: Keep in tightly sealed containers, away from moisture.

• Waste Disposal: Follow local hazardous waste regulations.

✅ Summary: Tellurium(IV) Oxide (TeO₂, CAS 7446-07-3) is a crystalline compound with optical, catalytic, and electronic applications, especially in infrared optics, acousto-optic devices, specialty glasses, and catalysis.