NH42TeO3

NH42TeO3, commonly written as (NH4)2TeO3, is an inorganic salt comprising two ammonium cations (NH4+) and one tellurite anion (TeO3)2−. The tellurite anion contains tellurium in the +4 oxidation state and the compound as a whole is described as an ammonium tellurite.

Preparation and reactions

It can be prepared by neutralizing tellurous acid (H2TeO3) with ammonium hydroxide: H2TeO3 + 2 NH4OH → (NH4)2TeO3 + 2 H2O. Other routes involve metathesis reactions using ammonium salts and tellurite sources. The solid is typically handled as a stable salt at ambient conditions and can be used as a source of TeO3^2− in solution upon dissolution in water.

Properties

( NH4 )2TeO3 forms as a white crystalline solid and is soluble in water, yielding a tellurite-containing solution. Like many ammonium salts, it is expected to be hygroscopic and to decompose upon strong heating, releasing ammonia and leaving behind tellurium oxide species. The compound contains tellurium in the +4 oxidation state within the TeO3^2− anion.

Applications and handling

Ammonium tellurite salts are mainly used in inorganic synthesis as a source of tellurite ions and as intermediates for preparing other tellurium compounds. Safety considerations are important: tellurite compounds are toxic, and appropriate precautions should be taken to avoid inhalation, ingestion, or dermal exposure.

Notes

The formula is frequently represented as (NH4)2TeO3 in chemical literature, reflecting common nomenclature for ammonium tellurite.