Atomic number 52
Tellurium
Metalloid
In the real world
Quick facts
- Atomic mass
- 127.60
- Group
- 16
- Period
- 5
- State (STP)
- solid
- Electronegativity
- 2.10
- Common ox. states
- -2, +4, +6
Properties
Electron configuration
[Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p⁴
- Ionization energy
- 869.3 kJ/mol
- Electron affinity
- 190.2 kJ/mol
- Melting point
- 722.66 K (449.5 °C)
- Boiling point
- 1261.00 K (987.9 °C)
How dangerous is it?
3/5 · Hazardous
A silvery, brittle element whose compounds are poisonous. Even a small exposure leaves a strong garlic smell on the breath that can last for days.
- ToxicImmediate and cumulative
Tellurium and its compounds are poisonous, and even small amounts cause a powerful, lasting garlic breath. (the toxicity and garlic-breath effect come from both the element and its compounds)
Handled with ventilation and gloves to keep dust and compounds out of the body.
How it bonds
Tellurium below selenium and sulfur: 2 bonds + 2 lone pairs in H₂Te (which smells revolting), expanded-octet +4 and +6 states. Phase-change memory (PCM) chips use Ge-Sb-Te alloys.
