telluryl

Telluryl is a chemical term referring to a functional group or ion containing tellurium in a +6 oxidation state bonded to oxygen. The most common telluryl species is the telluryl ion, TeO3^2-. This ion is isoelectronic with the sulfate ion (SO4^2-) and the selenite ion (SeO3^2-). It is a linear molecule.

Telluryl compounds are generally derived from telluric acid, H2TeO4. Telluric acid is a weak acid and exists in equilibrium with its conjugate bases, including the telluryl ion. Tellurium in the +6 oxidation state is the highest common oxidation state for tellurium. The TeO3 group can also act as a ligand in coordination complexes, though this is less common than its anionic form.

The telluryl ion is a component of various salts, such as sodium telluryl (Na2TeO3), which can be formed by the reaction of telluric acid with a sodium base. These salts are typically soluble in water. While telluryl compounds are not as widespread as their sulfur or selenium counterparts, they play a role in the chemistry of tellurium and its compounds. Their properties are influenced by the unique characteristics of tellurium, a heavier chalcogen.