Thallium(I) sulfate

Thallium(I) sulfate
Thallium(I) sulfate
Other names	Thallous sulfate
Molecular formula	Tl₂SO₄
Molar mass	504.83 g/mol
CAS number	[7446-18-6]
Density	6.77 g/cm³
Solubility (water)	Soluble
Melting point	632 °C
Boiling point	? °C
EU classification	Highly toxic (T+) Dangerous for the environment (N)
R-phrases	Template:R28, Template:R38, Template:R48/25, Template:R51/53
S-phrases	Template:S1/2, Template:S13, Template:S36/37, Template:S45, Template:S61
Disclaimer and references

Thallium(I) sulfate is a white solid, odorless, tasteless and highly toxic. In addition, it is also considered a heavy metal salt.

History

During the last two centuries, thallium(I) sulfate has been used for various treatments of medical diseases. Abnormal numbers of adverse side effects and even deaths in some cases has caused its use in medicine to be abondoned. Its recent use in the latter 1900's was mainly for rodenticides and ant pesticides. The applications in house hold supplies has been prohibited since 1975. This was mainly due to the lack of distinctive features and toxic properties. Thallium(I) sulfate can also inhibit the growth of plants.

Important Uses and Properties

Thallium sulfate is involved in the creation of thallium sulfide layers on polymers such as polyethylene (PE). The polyethylene is added to a solution of polythionic acid and then treated with thallium(I) sulfate. The resulting thallium sulfide on the surface of the PE is useful in photocells and sensors.

Its properites in water are also interesting. Since water has reducing and oxidizing properties, its affects on molecules such as thallium(I) sulfate are unique. With water acting as a oxidizing agent, the thallium(I) sulfate is oxidized and can form thallium ions and thallium(III) hydroxide. If water is acting as a reducing agent the thallium(I) sulfate can dissolve and may be precipitated as thallium sulfide.

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