Sodium tellurite
Sodium tellurite is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is Na2TeO3. It contains sodium and tellurite ions.
| Sodium tellurite | |
|---|---|
| |
| Other names | Sodium Tellurite IV, Tellurous acid disodium salt |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | |
| PubChem | |
| RTECS number | WY2450000 |
| SMILES | [Na+].[Na+].[O-][Te]([O-])=O |
| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | Na2TeO3 |
| Molar mass | 221.57774 g/mol |
| Appearance | white crystals, powder |
| Density | 6.245 g/cm3 |
| Melting point |
710 °C |
| Boiling point | |
| Solubility in water | soluble greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 68°F |
| Structure | |
| Crystal structure | rhombic |
| Hazards | |
| R-phrases | R23 R24 R25 |
| S-phrases | S22 S36 S37 S39 S45 |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) | |
Properties
Sodium tellurite is a colorless solid. The tellurite ion can react with water to make sodium hydrogen tellurite, NaHTeO3. It dissolves in water easily. It is a weak oxidizing agent (can be reduced to tellurium) and a weak reducing agent (can be oxidized to tellurates). It is part of the process in making tellurium.
Preparation
It is made by reacting tellurium dioxide with sodium hydroxide, or by heating a telluride in air with sodium carbonate.
Uses
Sodium tellurite is used in making tellurium. It is also used to make electroplated nickel corrosion-resistant. It can also be used to add a bluish coating to steel. It can be used to isolate certain types of bacteria that it is not toxic to.