TELLURIUM HEXAFLUORIDE

Chemical properties

Tellurium hexafluoride is a colorless gas with a repulsive odor.

Chemical properties

Tellurium hexafluoride, TeF6, the only clearly defined tellurium hexahalide, is formed directly from the elements at 150 °C (302 °F), while at 0 °C (32°F) the product is mainly the decafluoride, Te2F10. TeF6 is a relatively weak Lewis acid, forming complexes with pyridine and other nitrogen bases.

Production Methods

Tellurium hexafluoride (TeF6) is prepared by the direct fluorination of tellurium metal. It is a by-product of ore refining.

Definition

ChEBI: Tellurium hexafluoride is a tellurium coordination entity.

General Description

TELLURIUM HEXAFLUORIDE is a colorless gas with a repulsive odor. TELLURIUM HEXAFLUORIDE is very toxic by inhalation and skin absorption. When heated to high temperatures, TELLURIUM HEXAFLUORIDE may emit toxic fluoride and tellurium fumes. TELLURIUM HEXAFLUORIDE is heavier than air. Under prolonged exposure to fire or intense heat the containers may violently rupture and rocket. TELLURIUM HEXAFLUORIDE reacts with water to yield toxic vapors.

Air & Water Reactions

TELLURIUM HEXAFLUORIDE reacts with water to yield toxic hydrogen fluoride vapors. TELLURIUM HEXAFLUORIDE emits very toxic fumes of fluoride and tellurium. Decomposes in water, acid, and alkali. [EPA, 1998].

Reactivity Profile

TELLURIUM HEXAFLUORIDE is a colorless, toxic gas, when heated to decomposition TELLURIUM HEXAFLUORIDE emits very toxic fumes containing metallic tellurium and tellurium fluorides [Lewis, 3rd ed., 1993, p. 1207].

Health Hazard

Capable of causing death or permanent injury. Acute -- the material is highly toxic by inhalation exposure and a strong irritant to skin, eyes, the lungs, the throat, and stomach. Death can occur from filling of the lungs with fluid (pulmonary edema) or from asphyxiation due to spasm of the throat (larynx) or bronchi. Those with impaired pulmonary function, especially obstructive airway diseases are at a greater risk.

Fire Hazard

Container may explode in heat of fire. When heated to decomposition, TELLURIUM HEXAFLUORIDE emits very toxic fumes of fluoride and tellurium. Decomposes in water, acid, and alkali.

Potential Exposure

Tellurium hexafluoride is stated to be a by-product of ore refining.

Source

By-product of ore refining

Shipping

UN2195 Tellurium hexafluoride, Hazard Class: 2.3; Labels: 2.3-Poisonous gas, 8-Corrosive material, inhalation hazard zone A. Cylinders must be transported in a secure upright position, in a well-ventilated truck. Protect cylinder and labels from physical damage. The owner of the compressed gas cylinder is the only entity allowed by federal law (49CFR) to transport and refill them. It is a violation of transportation regulations to refill compressed gas cylinders without the express written permission of the owner.

Incompatibilities

Hydrolyzes slowly in water forming telluric acid. Emits highly toxic fumes when heated or on contact with acid or acid fumes.

Waste Disposal

Return refillable compressed gas cylinders to supplier. Nonrefillable cylinders should be disposed of in accordance with local, state and federal regulations. Allow remaining gas to vent slowly into atmosphere in an unconfined area or exhaust hood. Refillabletype cylinders should be returned to original supplier with any valve caps and outlet plugs secured and valve protection caps in place.