Substance profile
Tellurium
Tellurium is a grayish-white, lustrous, brittle, crystalline solid, hexagonal, rhombohedral structure and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What Tellurium is
Tellurium is a grayish-white, lustrous, brittle, crystalline solid, hexagonal, rhombohedral structure and is odorless. Its molecular formula is Te and its molecular weight is 127.6 g/mol. It boils at 990 °C, melts at 450 °C, is practically insoluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Tellurium properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 989.9 °C (1813.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| 990 °C (1814 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Melting point | 449.8 °C (841.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 450 °C (842 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 6.24 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| Solubility | Insol in benzene, carbon disulfide | HSDB | |
| INSOL IN HOT & COLD WATER, HYDROCHLORIC ACID; SOL IN NITRIC ACID, AQ REGIA, POTASSIUM CYANIDE, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, SULFURIC ACID | HSDB | ||
| Insoluble | NIOSH | ||
| Vapor pressure | 0 mmHg | approx | NIOSH |
| 1 mmHg | at 520 °C | CAMEO | |
| Autoignition temperature | 340 °C (644 °F) | ICSC | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | A FINELY DIVIDED SUSPENSION IN AIR CAN BE EXPLODED. | OF ELEMENTAL TELLURIUM | HSDB |
| Combustible Solid | NIOSH |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Tellurium
Incompatible materials
THE REACTION BETWEEN ZINC & ... TELLURIUM IS ACCOMPANIED BY INCANDESCENCE.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Mixtures of tellurium tetrabromide or tellurium tetrachloride with ammonia produces tellurium nitride complexes that are explosive upon heating. Tellurium trioxide is a powerful oxidant, which reacts violently when heated with a variety of metallic and non metallic materials. Noncombustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Tellurium in the storage compatibility matrix →