What is Tellurium(IV) oxide?
[[File:TeO2powder.jpg|thumb|Tellurium(IV) oxide]] '''Tellurium(IV) oxide''', also known as '''tellurium dioxide''', is a [[chemical compound]]. Its chemical formula is TeO<sub>2</sub>. It contains [[tellurium]] in its +4 [[oxidation state]]. It also contains [[oxide]] [[ion]]s. ==Properties== Tellurium(IV) oxide can be yellow or white. The white form is the manmade form. The yellow form is natural, also known as [[tellurite]]. The manmade form is most common in chemical reactions. At high pressure, the manmade white form turns into the yellow form. It melts at a high temperature to make a red liquid. Tellurium(IV) oxide does not dissolve in water. It reacts with concentrated [[sulfuric acid]]. It can react with many strong [[acid]]s and powerful [[oxidizing agent]]s. It can also react with strong [[base (chemistry)|bases]]. It makes one's breath smell like garlic when it is eaten. ==Preparation== Tellurium(IV) oxide is made by burning tellurium in air. ==Uses== It is used in devices that can convert light into sound. It can make [[glass]] with special properties. ==Safety== It can cause birth defects. It also makes bad breath. ==Related pages== *[[Tellurium(IV) chloride]] *[[Tellurium(VI) oxide]] [[Category:Tellurium compounds]]