What is Thallium? Definitions, and Examples.
Thallium is a chemical element with the symbol Tl and atomic number 81. It is a gray post-transition metal that is not found free in nature. When isolated, it resembles tin, but discolors when exposed to air. Thallium was discovered by Sir William Crookes in 1861, and he named it after the Greek word for green twig, thallos. It has been used in a variety of ways over the years, including as an insecticide, rat poison, and even in glassmaking. In this article, we will explore what thallium is, its history and uses, as well as some of the dangers associated with this chemical element.
What is Thallium?
Thallium is a chemical element with the symbol Tl and atomic number 81. It is a gray post-transition metal that is not found free in nature. When isolated, thallium resembles tin, but discolors when exposed to air. Chemists William Crookes and Claude Auguste Lamy discovered thallium independently in 1861, in residues of sulfuric acid production. Both used the newly developed method of flame spectroscopy to identify the new element in its elemental form.
What is the melting point of Thallium?
The melting point of thallium is 304 °C making it one of the few metals that are liquid at room temperature. When exposed to air, thallium quickly oxidizes and becomes dull gray in color.
What is the boiling point of Thallium?
The boiling point of thallium is 1473 °C.
Where is Thallium Found?
Thallium is a soft, bluish-white metal that is found in small quantities in the Earth’s crust. It is sometimes extracted from lead or zinc ores, but it is more often obtained as a by-product of copper or nickel mining. Thallium is also found in coal and in the minerals pyrites, cinnabar, and crookesite.
How is Thallium Used?
Thallium is a chemical element with the symbol Tl and atomic number 81. It is a gray post-transition metal that is not found free in nature. When isolated, thallium resembles tin, but discolors when exposed to air. Chemists William Crookes and Claude-Auguste Lamy discovered thallium independently in 1861, in residues of selenium refining. Thallium was used as an insecticide and rat poison, and later for murder. However, its use has declined because it is so lethal; even trace amounts can kill.
What are the dangers of Thallium exposure?
Exposure to thallium can be fatal. Symptoms of thallium exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and seizures. Thallium exposure can also cause kidney failure and death.
Symptoms of Thallium Poisoning
The most common symptom of thallium poisoning is gastrointestinal upset. This may include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Nausea and vomiting are the most common symptoms in people who have ingested thallium.
Other symptoms of thallium poisoning may include:
-Muscle weakness
-Loss of sensation in the extremities
-Altered mental state or confusion
-Seizures
Symptoms of thallium poisoning typically develop within a few hours to a few days after exposure. In severe cases, death may occur within 2 weeks.
Treatment for Thallium Poisoning
Treatment for thallium poisoning typically involves chelation therapy. This is a process by which the thallium is removed from the body using chemicals. Chelation therapy can be given in a hospital setting or at home. The most common type of chelation therapy used to treat thallium poisoning is dimercaprol.
Conclusion
Thallium is a chemical element with the symbol Tl and atomic number 81. It is a gray post-transition metal that is not found free in nature. When isolated, thallium resembles tin, but discolors when exposed to air. Chemists William Crookes and Claude-Auguste Lamy discovered thallium independently in 1861, in residues of sulfuric acid production. Both used the newly developed method of flame spectroscopy to identify the new element in their samples.
