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Tellurium Oxide, Tellurium Dioxide, Telluric Anhydride, 7446-07-3

Tellurium Oxide, Tellurium Dioxide, Telluric Anhydride, 7446-07-3

TELLURIUM DIOXIDE (TeO₂) 

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

Parameter Information
Product Name Tellurium Dioxide
Chemical Name Tellurium(IV) Oxide, Telluric Anhydride
Other Names Tellurium Oxide, Tellurium Dioxide, Paratellurite (crystal form)
CAS Number 7446-07-3
EC Number (EINECS) 231-193-3
Chemical Formula TeO₂
Molecular Weight 159.60 g/mol
Appearance White crystalline powder
Odor Odorless
Physical State (20°C) Solid (crystalline powder)

2. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION

2.1. Molecular Structure

Tellurium dioxide is the most common oxide of tellurium. The compound consists of tellurium atoms in the +4 oxidation state bonded to oxygen atoms. It exhibits amphoteric behavior and can exist in two crystalline polymorphs: tetragonal (paratellurite) and orthorhombic (tellurite). The tetragonal form is the most stable and widely used for optical applications.

Tellurium Oxides Comparison:

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, 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 13598-59-5

2.2. Structural Properties

Parameter Tetragonal (Paratellurite) Orthorhombic (Tellurite)
Crystal System Tetragonal Orthorhombic
Space Group P4₁2₁2 (No. 92) Pbca (No. 61)
Density 5.67 g/cm³ 5.67 g/cm³
Refractive Index 2.24 – 2.35 2.24 – 2.35
Optical Activity Optically active (chiral) Not optically active
Stability Most stable form Less common

3. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Property Value Description
Appearance White crystalline powder -
Odor Odorless -
Chemical Formula TeO₂ -
Molecular Weight 159.60 g/mol -
Density (20°C) 5.67 g/cm³ -
Melting Point 733 °C -
Boiling Point 1,245 °C -
Solubility in Water Insoluble -
Solubility in Alkalis Soluble (forms tellurites) -
Solubility in Acids Slightly soluble in strong acids -
pH (1% solution) Amphoteric -
Crystal Structure Tetragonal (paratellurite) -
Refractive Index 2.24 – 2.35 -
Vapor Pressure Negligible -
Tellurium Content 79.9% Te -
Oxygen Content 20.1% O -

3.1. Chemical Reactions

Reaction with Alkalis:

TeO₂ + 2NaOH → Na₂TeO₃ + H₂O

Reaction with Concentrated Acids:

TeO₂ + 4HCl → TeCl₄ + 2H₂O

Reduction to Elemental Tellurium:

TeO₂ + 2H₂ → Te + 2H₂O

Oxidation to Tellurium Trioxide:

2TeO₂ + O₂ → 2TeO₃ (at elevated temperatures)

4. PURITY GRADES AND SPECIFICATIONS

Parameter Technical Grade High Purity Grade Optical Grade
Purity (TeO₂) ≥ 99.0% ≥ 99.9% ≥ 99.99%
Tellurium (Te) Content ~79.9% ~79.9% ~79.9%
Appearance White to off-white powder White powder White powder
Insoluble in HCl ≤ 0.1% ≤ 0.01% ≤ 0.001%
Chloride (Cl) ≤ 0.01% ≤ 0.001% ≤ 0.0005%
Sulfate (SO₄) ≤ 0.01% ≤ 0.001% ≤ 0.0005%
Iron (Fe) ≤ 0.005% ≤ 0.0005% ≤ 0.0001%
Heavy Metals (as Pb) ≤ 0.005% ≤ 0.0005% ≤ 0.0001%
Loss on Ignition ≤ 0.5% ≤ 0.1% ≤ 0.05%

5. APPLICATION AREAS

5.1. Electronics and Optics (Primary Application)

Application Function Details
Acousto-Optic Devices Bragg cells, modulators, deflectors Paratellurite form (TeO₂) for high efficiency
Optical Modulators High-performance optical switching Superior acousto-optic figure of merit
Semiconductor Components Substrates and thin films Tellurium-based semiconductors
Infrared Optics Infrared windows and lenses Transparent in IR region
Nonlinear Optical Materials Frequency doubling and mixing High nonlinearity

5.2. Glass and Ceramics Industry

Application Function Details
Glass Coloring Yellow to amber colors Provides distinctive yellow-amber hues
Glass Stabilization Chemical durability Improves resistance to chemical attack
Ceramic Glazes Yellow pigment Used in glazes and enamels
Specialty Glass Tellurite glass for IR transmission Optical and communication applications

5.3. Catalysis

Application Function Details
Oxidation Catalysts Selective oxidation Catalyzes oxidation reactions
Organic Synthesis Catalyst Various organic transformations
Ammoxidation Catalyst Propylene to acrylonitrile
Dehydrogenation Catalyst Dehydrogenation reactions

5.4. Metallurgy and Alloys

Application Function Details
Specialty Alloys Additive Copper, lead, and steel alloys
Tellurium Metal Production Precursor Reduction to elemental tellurium
Cast Iron Machinability enhancer Improves machinability of cast iron

5.5. Other Applications

Application Function Details
Glass Polishing Fine abrasive Optical glass finishing
Chemical Reagent Laboratory analytical reagent Various chemical applications
Surface Treatment Conversion coatings Metal surface treatments

6. SECTOR SUITABILITY TABLE

Sector Suitability Description
Electronics and Optics Suitable Acousto-optic devices, semiconductors, IR optics
Glass and Ceramics Suitable Coloring, stabilization, specialty glass
Catalysis Suitable Oxidation catalysts, organic synthesis
Metallurgy Suitable Specialty alloys, cast iron
Cosmetics Not suitable Toxic material
Food and Pharmaceutical Not suitable Not approved (toxic)
Textile Not suitable No application

7. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

Parameter Value
Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50, Rat) ~500 mg/kg (toxic)
Acute Inhalation Toxicity Toxic
Skin Irritation Mild irritant
Eye Irritation Mild to moderate irritant
Inhalation May cause respiratory irritation; characteristic garlic-like odor
Carcinogenicity Not classified as a carcinogen
Mutagenicity Limited data
Chronic Effects May cause liver, kidney, and neurological effects
Environmental Hazards Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H411)
Target Organs Liver, kidneys, respiratory system

8. GHS CLASSIFICATION

Hazard Class Category H-Statement
Acute Toxicity (Oral) Category 4 H302: Harmful if swallowed
Acute Toxicity (Inhalation) Category 4 H332: Harmful if inhaled
Specific Target Organ Toxicity Category 3 H335: May cause respiratory irritation
Chronic Aquatic Toxicity Category 2 H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

Signal Word: WARNING

Hazard Pictograms: GHS07 (Exclamation Mark), GHS09 (Environment)

9. PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

Code Statement
P261 Avoid breathing dust
P264 Wash hands thoroughly after handling
P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product
P271 Use only in well-ventilated areas
P273 Avoid release to the environment
P280 Wear protective gloves/eye protection/face protection
P301+P312 IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor if you feel unwell
P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water
P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing
P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present
P312 Call a POISON CENTER/doctor if you feel unwell
P337+P313 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention
P391 Collect spillage
P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations

10. FIRST AID MEASURES

Route of Exposure Action to Be Taken
Inhalation Move to fresh air. If respiratory irritation persists, seek medical attention
Skin Contact Wash with plenty of soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention
Ingestion Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth. Drink water. Seek immediate medical attention
Note Show this safety data sheet to the attending physician

11. STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

Parameter Condition
Storage Conditions Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
Container Requirements Tightly closed, moisture-proof containers (HDPE, lined fiber drums)
Materials to Protect From Moisture, strong reducing agents, strong acids
Shelf Life 24-36 months in unopened original packaging under proper storage
Hygroscopicity Low (insoluble in water, but may absorb surface moisture)
Incompatible Materials Strong reducing agents, strong acids

12. PACKAGING OPTIONS

Packaging Type Quantity Material
Fiber Drum 25 kg PE-lined, moisture-proof
Fiber Drum 100 kg PE-lined, moisture-proof
FIBC / Big-Bag 500 kg PE-lined, moisture-proof
Small Containers 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg HDPE containers

13. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Parameter Information
UN Number Not specifically listed (check current regulations)
Hazard Class 9 (Environmentally hazardous)
Packing Group III
ADR/RID Regulated (environmentally hazardous substance)
IMDG Regulated (marine pollutant)
IATA Regulated

14. REGULATORY STATUS

Region / Authority Status
European Union (REACH) Registered
Turkey (KKDIK) Compliance required
TSCA (USA) Registered
EINECS 231-193-3
Food / Cosmetics Not approved

15. OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

  • Tellurium(IV) Oxide

  • Telluric Anhydride

  • Tellurium Oxide

  • Tellurium Dioxide

  • Paratellurite (crystal form)

  • TeO₂

16. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE

Property Value
CAS Number 7446-07-3
EC Number 231-193-3
Chemical Formula TeO₂
Molecular Weight 159.60 g/mol
Appearance White crystalline powder
Density (20°C) 5.67 g/cm³
Melting Point 733 °C
Boiling Point 1,245 °C
Tellurium Content 79.9%
Solubility in Water Insoluble
Solubility in Alkalis Soluble
Crystal Structure Tetragonal (paratellurite)
Refractive Index 2.24 – 2.35
GHS Signal Word WARNING
UN Number Not specifically listed

17. CRITICAL NOTICES AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL NOTICES:

  1. Toxicity: Tellurium dioxide is toxic. Harmful if swallowed or inhaled (H302, H332). Use appropriate personal protective equipment.

  2. Garlic Breath: Exposure may cause characteristic garlic-like odor on the breath, a classic symptom of tellurium exposure.

  3. Environmental Hazard: Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H411). Prevent release into the environment.

  4. Amphoteric Nature: Reacts with both acids and bases. Handle with appropriate care.

  5. Incompatibility: Incompatible with strong reducing agents and strong acids.

  6. Respiratory Protection: Use dust mask (N95) when handling powder.

  7. Optical Grade: High purity (≥ 99.99%) required for optical applications.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

Storage:

  • Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area

  • Use tightly closed, moisture-proof containers

  • Keep away from strong reducing agents and acids

  • Store at room temperature (15-25°C)

Handling:

  • Use in well-ventilated areas

  • Use dust mask (N95), protective goggles, and gloves

  • Avoid dust formation

  • Wash hands after handling

  • Do not eat, drink or smoke when handling

Waste Management:

  • Dispose in accordance with local regulations

  • Do not discharge into water bodies

  • Collect spillage (P391)

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and is prepared based on available technical data. The user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific application and for complying with all local, national, and international regulations. For complete safety, storage, handling, transport, waste, and regulatory compliance information, the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier must be consulted. This document does not substitute professional advice. Tellurium dioxide is a toxic material; appropriate precautions must be taken during handling.

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