| Formula / Notation | Te |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 13494-80-9 |
| Molecular Weight | 127.6 |
| Melting Point | 449.5 |
| Boiling Point | 988.0 |
| Density | 6.24 |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water (dissolves in HNO3) |
| Appearance | Silvery-white, brittle, crystalline metalloid |
| Also Known As | Te, tellurium element |
| Category | Elements |
What is Tellurium?
Tellurium is a brittle, mildly toxic metalloid, atomic number 52. Rare in Earth crust. Imparts a distinct garlic-like odour to breath and sweat even at trace exposures (tellurium breath). Used in cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells.
Formula & Notation
IUPAC Name: Tellurium
Other Names / Synonyms: Te, tellurium element
Properties & Characteristics
Physical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 449.5 |
| Boiling Point | 988.0 |
| Density | 6.24 |
| Molecular Weight | 127.6 |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water (dissolves in HNO3) |
| Appearance | Silvery-white, brittle, crystalline metalloid |
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Tellurium is a brittle, mildly toxic metalloid, atomic number 52. Rare in Earth crust. Imparts a distinct garlic-like odour to breath and sweat even at trace exposures (tellurium breath). Used in cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells.
CdTe thin-film solar cells. Telluride compounds in thermoelectrics. Lead telluride (PbTe) thermoelectric generators. Steel and copper alloy additive (improves machinability). Tellurium dioxide in acoustic-optic devices. Bismuth telluride thermoelectric coolers.
Tellurium: moderately toxic - causes tellurium breath (garlic odour) at very low exposures (0.01 mg/m3). OSHA PEL: 0.1 mg/m3. Chronic exposure: nausea, fatigue, CNS effects. CdTe contains cadmium - toxic. Hydrogen telluride (H2Te): toxic gas.
The formula or notation for Tellurium is: Te