AllChemicals — The Online Chemical Glossary | https://allchemicals.info/chemical/575-metalloid
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Quick Reference
Also Known As
Semimetal, semiconductor element, metalloid element
What is Metalloid?
An element with properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals, also called a semimetal. Metalloids include boron, silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony, tellurium, and polonium. Silicon and germanium are important semiconductors. Their electrical conductivity is intermediate.
Properties & Characteristics
Metalloids (semimetals) are elements with properties intermediate between those of metals and nonmetals. They include: boron, silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony, tellurium, and polonium (and sometimes selenium and astatine). Metalloids typically: have semiconducting electrical conductivity (intermediate between metals and insulators), form covalent compounds with nonmetals and ionic compounds with metals, and have some metallic lustre. Their band gap (0.1-3 eV) allows temperature-tunable conductivity.
Uses & Applications
Metalloids are critical in electronics: silicon and germanium are the primary semiconductor materials for transistors, solar cells, and integrated circuits. Arsenic and phosphorus are used as dopants in silicon semiconductors. Boron is used in nuclear reactor control rods and high-performance alloys.
Safety Information
Many metalloids are toxic: arsenic is a potent carcinogen (skin, lung, bladder cancer from chronic exposure); antimony compounds are irritants; selenium is an essential trace element but toxic at higher doses. Handle all metalloid compounds with appropriate PPE and ventilation. Silicon itself is generally inert, but silica dust causes silicosis.
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
SynonymsSemimetal, semiconductor element, metalloid element
Frequently Asked Questions
An element with properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals, also called a semimetal. Metalloids include boron, silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony, tellurium, and polonium. Silicon and germanium are important semiconductors. Their electrical conductivity is intermediate.
Metalloids are critical in electronics: silicon and germanium are the primary semiconductor materials for transistors, solar cells, and integrated circuits. Arsenic and phosphorus are used as dopants in silicon semiconductors. Boron is used in nuclear reactor control rods and high-performance alloys…
Many metalloids are toxic: arsenic is a potent carcinogen (skin, lung, bladder cancer from chronic exposure); antimony compounds are irritants; selenium is an essential trace element but toxic at higher doses. Handle all metalloid compounds with appropriate PPE and ventilation. Silicon itself is gen…
Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature,
CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA,
and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified
professionals before handling chemicals.
