Thallium(I) sulfate: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 05:30, 16 February 2025

Thallium(I) sulfate[edit]

Structural formula of Thallium(I) sulfate

Thallium(I) sulfate is a chemical compound with the formula Tl_SO_. It is a white, odorless, crystalline powder that is highly toxic and was historically used as a rodenticide and insecticide. Due to its toxicity, its use has been largely discontinued in many countries.

Chemical Properties[edit]

Thallium(I) sulfate is composed of thallium in the +1 oxidation state and the sulfate anion. It is soluble in water, and its solubility increases with temperature. The compound is known for its high toxicity, which is attributed to the thallium ion.

Toxicity[edit]

Thallium(I) sulfate is extremely toxic to humans and animals. It can be absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or ingested. Symptoms of thallium poisoning include hair loss, nerve damage, and organ failure. Due to these severe health risks, thallium(I) sulfate is no longer widely used in pest control.

Historical Uses[edit]

Historically, thallium(I) sulfate was used as a rodenticide and insecticide. It was effective in controlling populations of rats and other pests. However, due to its non-selective toxicity and the availability of safer alternatives, its use has been restricted or banned in many regions.

Safety and Handling[edit]

Due to its high toxicity, thallium(I) sulfate must be handled with extreme care. Protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection are recommended when working with this compound. In case of exposure, immediate medical attention is necessary.

Environmental Impact[edit]

Thallium compounds, including thallium(I) sulfate, can have significant environmental impacts. They can contaminate soil and water, posing risks to wildlife and ecosystems. Efforts to reduce thallium pollution focus on minimizing industrial emissions and proper disposal of thallium-containing waste.

Related Compounds[edit]

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Thallium(I) sulfate''', also known as '''thallous sulfate''', is a chemical compound with the formula Tl2SO4. This white, water-soluble solid is a common source of the [[Thallium|thallium]] ion, although it is highly toxic and must be handled with care. Thallium(I) sulfate has been used historically as a rodenticide and insecticide, but its use has been limited or banned in many countries due to its toxicity to humans and the environment.
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Thallium(I) sulfate}}
-==Properties==
+== Thallium(I) sulfate ==
-Thallium(I) sulfate is an odorless, tasteless white powder that dissolves in water to give colorless solutions. It is a salt composed of the thallium (I) cation (Tl^+) and the sulfate anion (SO4^2−). The compound is relatively stable, but it decomposes upon heating to produce thallium oxide and sulfur dioxide.
+[[File:Thallium(I)sulfaat.png|thumb|right|200px|Structural formula of Thallium(I) sulfate]]
-==Synthesis==
+'''Thallium(I) sulfate''' is a chemical compound with the formula '''Tl_SO_'''. It is a white, odorless, crystalline powder that is highly toxic and was historically used as a rodenticide and insecticide. Due to its toxicity, its use has been largely discontinued in many countries.
-Thallium(I) sulfate can be synthesized by reacting thallium metal with sulfuric acid:
-\[2 \, \text{Tl} + H_2SO_4 \rightarrow Tl_2SO_4 + H_2 \uparrow\]
-Alternatively, it can be produced by the reaction of thallium(I) carbonate with sulfuric acid:
-\[Tl_2CO_3 + H_2SO_4 \rightarrow Tl_2SO_4 + CO_2 \uparrow + H_2O\]
-==Uses==
+== Chemical Properties ==
-Historically, thallium(I) sulfate was used as a rodenticide and insecticide due to its ability to disrupt the potassium ion channels in the nervous system of pests. However, its use has been greatly restricted due to its high toxicity and the risk it poses to human health and the environment.
+Thallium(I) sulfate is composed of thallium in the +1 oxidation state and the sulfate anion. It is soluble in water, and its solubility increases with temperature. The compound is known for its high toxicity, which is attributed to the thallium ion.
-==Toxicity==
+== Toxicity ==
-Thallium(I) sulfate is highly toxic to humans, animals, and plants. It can be absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or ingested. Symptoms of thallium poisoning include hair loss, nerve damage, and in severe cases, death. The compound interferes with the function of potassium ion channels, which are critical for nerve signal transmission and heart function.
+Thallium(I) sulfate is extremely toxic to humans and animals. It can be absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or ingested. Symptoms of thallium poisoning include hair loss, nerve damage, and organ failure. Due to these severe health risks, thallium(I) sulfate is no longer widely used in pest control.
-==Environmental Impact==
+== Historical Uses ==
-The use of thallium(I) sulfate as a pesticide has led to environmental contamination. Thallium is a persistent metal that can accumulate in the soil and water, posing long-term risks to ecosystems. Its use is now heavily regulated or banned in many countries.
+Historically, thallium(I) sulfate was used as a [[rodenticide]] and [[insecticide]]. It was effective in controlling populations of rats and other pests. However, due to its non-selective toxicity and the availability of safer alternatives, its use has been restricted or banned in many regions.
-==Regulation==
+== Safety and Handling ==
-Due to its toxicity, the production, sale, and use of thallium(I) sulfate are strictly regulated in many countries. The compound is listed as a priority pollutant under the U.S. Clean Water Act and is also regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
+Due to its high toxicity, thallium(I) sulfate must be handled with extreme care. Protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection are recommended when working with this compound. In case of exposure, immediate medical attention is necessary.
-==See Also==
+== Environmental Impact ==
-* [[Thallium poisoning]]
+Thallium compounds, including thallium(I) sulfate, can have significant environmental impacts. They can contaminate soil and water, posing risks to wildlife and ecosystems. Efforts to reduce thallium pollution focus on minimizing industrial emissions and proper disposal of thallium-containing waste.
+== Related Compounds ==
+* [[Thallium(III) sulfate]]
+* [[Thallium(I) chloride]]
+* [[Thallium(I) bromide]]
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Thallium]]
+* [[Sulfate]]
+* [[Toxicology]]
 * [[Pesticide]]
-* [[Toxic Substances Control Act]]
-* [[Clean Water Act]]
-[[Category:Chemical compounds]]
 [[Category:Thallium compounds]]
 [[Category:Sulfates]]
 [[Category:Toxicology]]
-[[Category:Environmental chemistry]]
-{{Chem-stub}}