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Send EmailTellurium Oxide, Tellurium Dioxide, Telluric Anhydride, 7446-07-3
Tellurium Oxides – CAS Numbers
Tellurium monoxide (TeO) – CAS 12033‑34‑0
Tellurium dioxide (TeO₂) – CAS 7446‑07‑3
Tellurium trioxide (TeO₃) – CAS 13451‑18‑8
Tellurium pentoxide (Te₂O₅) – CAS 13598‑59‑5
| Property | Information |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Tellurium Dioxide |
| Synonyms | Tellurium(IV) oxide, Telluric anhydride, Tellurium oxide |
| Chemical Formula | TeO₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 159.60 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 7446-07-3 |
| EC Number (EINECS) | 231-193-3 |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Physical State (20°C) | Solid (crystalline powder) |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molecular Weight | 159.60 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 733 °C (1,351 °F) |
| Boiling Point | 1,245 °C (2,273 °F) |
| Density (20°C) | 5.67 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in Water | Insoluble |
| Solubility in Alkalis | Soluble (forms tellurites) |
| Solubility in Acids | Slightly soluble in strong acids |
| pH (1% solution) | Amphoteric behavior |
| Crystal Structure | Tetragonal (paratellurite) or orthorhombic (tellurite) |
| Refractive Index | 2.24 – 2.35 |
| Vapor Pressure | Negligible |
| Property | Information |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | TeO₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 159.60 g/mol |
| Tellurium Content | 79.9% Te |
| Oxygen Content | 20.1% O |
| Oxidation State | Te(IV) – can be oxidized to Te(VI) or reduced to Te(0) |
| Chemical Class | Metal oxide (amphoteric) |
| Amphoteric Behavior | Reacts with both acids and bases |
| Stability | Stable under normal conditions |
| Reaction with Alkalis | TeO₂ + 2 NaOH → Na₂TeO₃ + H₂O (sodium tellurite) |
| Reaction with Acids | TeO₂ + 4 HCl → TeCl₄ + 2 H₂O (tellurium tetrachloride) |
| Incompatible Materials | Strong reducing agents, strong acids (forms TeCl₄), strong oxidizers |
Key Chemical Features:
Amphoteric oxide (behaves as both acid and base)
Forms tellurite salts (TeO₃²⁻) with alkalis
Can be reduced to elemental tellurium with reducing agents
| Form | Crystal System | Density | Stability | Optical Properties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paratellurite | Tetragonal | 5.67 g/cm³ | Stable at room temperature | Birefringent (optical applications) |
| Tellurite | Orthorhombic | 5.67 g/cm³ | Metastable | Different optical properties |
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Acousto-optic Devices | Bragg cells, modulators, deflectors (paratellurite form) |
| Optical Modulators | High-performance optical switching |
| Semiconductor Components | Substrates and thin films |
| Infrared Optics | IR windows and lenses |
| Non-linear Optical Materials | Frequency doubling and mixing |
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Glass Coloring | Produces yellow to amber colors in glass |
| Glass Stabilization | Improves chemical durability |
| Ceramic Glazes | Yellow pigment for glazes and enamels |
| Specialty Glass | Tellurite glasses for IR transmission |
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Oxidation Catalysts | Catalyzes selective oxidation reactions |
| Organic Synthesis | Catalyst for various organic transformations |
| Ammoxidation | Catalyst for propylene to acrylonitrile |
| Dehydrogenation | Catalyst for dehydrogenation reactions |
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Special Alloys | Additive in copper, lead, and steel alloys |
| Tellurium Metal Production | Precursor for reduction to elemental tellurium |
| Cast Iron | Improves machinability of cast iron |
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Glass Polishing | Fine abrasive for optical glass |
| Chemical Reagent | Laboratory analytical reagent |
| Surface Treatment | Conversion coatings for metals |
| Parameter | Technical Grade | High Purity Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Purity (TeO₂) | ≥ 99.0% | ≥ 99.99% |
| Tellurium (Te) Content | ~79.9% | ~79.9% |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder | White powder |
| Insoluble in HCl | ≤ 0.1% | ≤ 0.01% |
| Chloride (Cl) | ≤ 0.01% | ≤ 0.001% |
| Sulfate (SO₄) | ≤ 0.01% | ≤ 0.001% |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.005% | ≤ 0.0005% |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤ 0.005% | ≤ 0.0005% |
| Loss on Ignition | ≤ 0.5% | ≤ 0.1% |
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, well-ventilated area |
| Container Requirements | Tightly closed, moisture-proof containers (HDPE, fiber drums with liner) |
| Protect From | Moisture, strong reducing agents, strong acids |
| Shelf Life | 24-36 months (when stored properly in unopened packaging) |
| Hygroscopicity | Low (insoluble in water, but may absorb surface moisture) |
| Incompatible Materials | Strong reducing agents, strong acids |
| Packaging Options | 25 kg fiber drums (with plastic liner), 100 kg drums, 500 kg FIBC (big bags) |
| Hazard Class | Category |
|---|---|
| Acute Toxicity (Oral) | Category 4 (H302) |
| Acute Toxicity (Inhalation) | Category 4 (H332) |
| Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Single exposure) | Category 3 (H335) |
| Chronic Aquatic Toxicity | Category 2 (H411) |
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation |
| H411 | Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects |
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| P261 | Avoid breathing dust |
| P264 | Wash thoroughly after handling |
| P270 | Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product |
| P271 | Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area |
| P280 | Wear protective gloves and eye protection |
| P301+P312 | IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER if you feel unwell |
| P302+P352 | IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water |
| P305+P351+P338 | IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes |
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Oral LD50 (rat) | ~1,000 – 2,000 mg/kg (moderate toxicity) |
| Inhalation LC50 (rat) | Not established |
| Skin Irritation | Mild irritant |
| Eye Irritation | Mild to moderate irritant |
| Chronic Effects | May cause tellurium breath (garlic-like odor) |
Health Effects:
Acute (Inhalation): Respiratory tract irritation, garlic-like breath odor (tellurium breath)
Acute (Ingestion): Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
Chronic: Garlic breath is characteristic; possible kidney and liver effects with prolonged exposure
| Exposure Route | Action |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Remove to fresh air. Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation occurs. |
| Skin Contact | Wash with plenty of water and soap. Remove contaminated clothing. |
| Eye Contact | Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention. |
| Ingestion | Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Drink water. Seek immediate medical attention. |
| Equipment | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Respiratory Protection | Dust mask (N95) when handling powder |
| Hand Protection | Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene) |
| Eye Protection | Safety glasses with side shields |
| Body Protection | Lab coat or protective clothing |
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Fire Hazard | Non-flammable |
| Extinguishing Media | Use appropriate media for surrounding fire (water, CO₂, dry chemical) |
| Special Hazards | Decomposes when heated to high temperatures, releasing toxic tellurium fumes |
| Protective Equipment | Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective clothing |
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Aquatic Toxicity | Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H411) |
| Biodegradability | Not applicable (inorganic) |
| Bioaccumulation | Moderate potential |
| Persistence | Inorganic – does not degrade |
| Waste Disposal | Dispose according to local regulations. Do not discharge into natural water bodies. |
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | 3288 (Toxic solid, inorganic, n.o.s.) |
| Hazard Class | 6.1 (Toxic substance) |
| Packing Group | III |
| Proper Shipping Name | TOXIC SOLID, INORGANIC, N.O.S. (Tellurium dioxide) |
| Marine Pollutant | Yes |
| ADR/RID Label | 6.1 |
| Region | Status |
|---|---|
| EU | REACH registered |
| Turkey (KKDIK) | Mandatory compliance; requires registration |
| USA (TSCA) | Listed |
| Canada (DSL) | Listed |
| Australia (AICS) | Listed |
| Turkish Name | English Name |
|---|---|
| Tellür Dioksit | Tellurium Dioxide |
| Tellür(IV) Oksit | Tellurium(IV) Oxide |
| Tellürik Anhidrit | Telluric Anhydride |
| TeO₂ | TeO₂ |
Database Identifiers:
CAS: 7446-07-3
EC: 231-193-3
MDL: MFCD00011263
PubChem CID: 62638
RTECS: WY2675000
Tellurium Dioxide (TeO₂, CAS 7446-07-3) is a white crystalline powder with amphoteric properties. It is the most common oxide of tellurium and is used primarily in electronics (acousto-optic devices), optics (paratellurite crystals), glass and ceramics (colorant, stabilizer), catalysis, and specialty alloys.
Key Features:
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Molecular Weight | 159.60 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 733°C |
| Density | 5.67 g/cm³ |
| Tellurium Content | 79.9% |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; soluble in alkalis |
Main Application Areas:
| Sector | Applications |
|---|---|
| Electronics & Optics | Acousto-optic devices, modulators, IR optics |
| Glass & Ceramics | Colorant (yellow-amber), stabilizer |
| Catalysis | Oxidation catalysts |
| Metallurgy | Specialty alloys, tellurium metal precursor |
Key Safety Points:
TOXIC – Harmful if swallowed or inhaled
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD – Toxic to aquatic life
GARLIC BREATH – Characteristic tellurium breath upon exposure
NON-FLAMMABLE – Stable solid
HANDLE WITH PPE – Use gloves, dust mask, goggles
Amphoteric Nature: Tellurium dioxide exhibits amphoteric behavior – it reacts with both acids (forming tellurium salts) and bases (forming tellurites). This property is important for its dissolution in various media.
Paratellurite Form: The tetragonal crystal form (paratellurite) is birefringent and has excellent acousto-optic properties, making it valuable for optical modulators, deflectors, and signal processing devices.
Tellurium Breath: One of the characteristic signs of tellurium exposure is a garlic-like odor on the breath (tellurium breath). This is not harmful itself but indicates systemic absorption.
Glass Coloring: TeO₂ produces yellow to amber colors in glass. Unlike cadmium-based pigments, tellurium does not contain heavy metals of the same regulatory concern, but it is still toxic.
Handling Precautions: Although TeO₂ has low solubility in water, fine dust can be inhaled. Use adequate ventilation or dust masks when handling powder.
Thermal Decomposition: At very high temperatures (>1,000°C), TeO₂ can sublime or decompose, releasing toxic tellurium fumes. Avoid excessive heating.
Comparable to SeO₂: Tellurium dioxide is similar to selenium dioxide (SeO₂) but with higher thermal stability. It is often used in similar applications where higher stability is required.
Optical Applications: High-purity TeO₂ (≥ 99.99%) is required for optical and acousto-optic applications. Lower purity grades are acceptable for glass and ceramic applications.
Biological Effects: Tellurium compounds are toxic. Chronic exposure can cause tellurium breath, dry mouth, metallic taste, and in severe cases, neurological symptoms.
Environmental Considerations: Tellurium is a rare element and its compounds should be recycled when possible. Spent materials may be processed to recover tellurium metal.
Important Disclaimer: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only. For complete safety, handling, storage, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.
| Oxide | Formula | Appearance | Melting Point | Properties | Main Uses | CAS No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tellurium monoxide | TeO | Gray‑black solid | – | Basic oxide | Rare, precursor in synthesis | 12033‑34‑0 |
| Tellurium dioxide | TeO₂ | White crystalline solid | 733 °C | Amphoteric, insoluble in water, soluble in NaOH | Semiconductors, ceramics, glass colorant, catalysts | 7446‑07‑3 |
| Tellurium trioxide | TeO₃ | Yellow‑orange crystals | – | Acidic oxide, strong oxidant | Specialty chemical synthesis | 13451‑18‑8 |
| Tellurium pentoxide | Te₂O₅ | – | – | Acidic oxide | Limited, research‑grade applications | 13598‑59‑5 |