About Tellurium
Tellurium was discovered in Franz-Joseph Müller von Reichenstein in 1782 when he isolated it as a trace component from a sample of gold ore. He initially believed his find to be antimony, but eventually realized its properties did not match any known element and reported his findings to other chemists. In 1798, Martin Heinrich Klaproth completed further tests to confirm that a new element had in fact been discovered, and named it “tellurium”, meaning “earth.”
Tellurium is a brittle, silver-white, semiconducting metalloid that also exhibits mild photoconductivity. One of the largest uses for tellurium are in semiconducting compound materials that exploit its unique electrical properties. Cadmium telluride is particularly well known as the basis for a type of thin film solar cell that can be manufactured with relatively little impact on the environment and used in some installations at a comparable cost to traditional silicon cells. Cadmium zinc telluride is likewise used in solar cells, as well as in radiation detectors, terahertz wave generation and detection devices, electro-optic modulators, solid-state x-ray detectors, and photoreactive gratings. When tellurium is added as a dopant to zinc selenide, the resultant material is a scintillator material used in x-ray and gamma ray detectors. Bismuth telluride and lead telluride are both thermoelectric materials used in thermoelectric refrigeration and in portable thermal generators. Additionally, tellurium’s photoconductivity once lent it to use along with the similar element selenium in photocopiers, however modern photocopiers use organic photoconductors in place of these elements.
Tellurium also plays a significant role in technology in the form of chalcogenide glasses. These glasses, made using sulfur, selenium, or tellurium compounds, exhibit high refractive indices and non-linear optical effects, and are frequently used in optical fibers for telecommunications, lasers, photonic integrated circuits, and other optical applications. Additionally, some chalcogenide glasses including GeSbTe and AgInSbTe undergo predictable changes in crystal structure driven by thermal energy, and this property is exploited in rewritable optical disks and phase-change computer memory.
Another major use of tellurium is as an additive to metal alloys. It is used primarily to improve the machinability of steel or copper, and to improve strength and durability of lead. It is also found in some forms of cast iron. Additionally, telluride compounds may be used as pigments to color ceramics, as components of blasting caps, or as catalysts for some industrial chemical processes.
Tellurium is a relatively rare element, and is produced commercially mostly from byproducts of electrolytic copper refining. Tellurium is also occasionally recovered from old devices which contained it, most often outdated photocopiers.
Products
Tellurium is a p-type semiconductor, and shows greater conductivity in certain directions, depending on alignment of the atoms. Many tellurium compounds exhibit photoconductivity--their conductivity increases slightly with exposure to light--which makes many tellurides candidates for solar energy applications. Tellurium improves the machinability of copper and stainless steel, and its addition to lead improves its strength and hardness. 
Tellurium is used as a basic ingredient in blasting caps, and is added to cast iron for chill control. Tellurium is used in ceramics. Bismuth telluride has been used in thermoelectric devices. 
Tellurium is available as metal and compounds with purities from 99% to 99.999% (ACS grade to ultra-high purity). Elemental or metallic forms include pellets, rod, wire and granules for evaporation source material purposes. Tellurium oxides are available in powder and dense pellet form for such uses as optical coating and thin film applications. Oxides tend to be insoluble. Tellurium fluoride is another insoluble form for uses in which oxygen is undesirable such as metallurgy, chemical and physical vapor deposition and in some optical coatings. Tellurium is also available in soluble forms including chlorides and nitrates. These compounds can be manufactured as solutions at specified stoichiometries.
Tellurium Properties
Tellurium is a Block P, Group 16, Period 5 element. The number of electrons in each of Tellurium's shells is 2, 8, 18, 18, 6 and its electron configuration is 
[Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p4. In its elemental form tellurium's CAS number is 13494-80-9. The tellurium atom has a radius of 140.pm and its Van der Waals radius is 206.pm. Tellurium is most commonly sourced from the anode sludges produced as a byproduct of copper refining. 
Tellurium was first discovered by Franz Muller von Reichenstein in 1782. The name Tellurium originates from the Greek word 'Tellus' meaning Earth.
Health, Safety & Transportation Information for Tellurium
Safety data for Tellurium and its compounds can vary widely depending on the form. For potential hazard information, toxicity, and road, sea and air transportation limitations, such as DOT Hazard Class, DOT Number, EU Number, NFPA Health rating and RTECS Class, please see the specific material or compound referenced in the Products tab. The below information applies to elemental Tellurium.
| Safety Data | |
|---|---|
| Signal Word | Danger |
| Hazard Statements | H301 |
| Hazard Codes | T |
| Risk Codes | 25 |
| Safety Precautions | 45 |
| RTECS Number | WY2625000 |
| Transport Information | UN 3288 6.1/PG 3 |
| WGK Germany | 3 |
| Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling (GHS) |
 |
SECTION 1. IDENTIFICATION
Product Name: Tellurium Metal
Product Number: All applicable American Elements product codes, e.g. TE-E-02, TE-E-03, TE-E-04, TE-E-05, TE-E-06, TE-E-07
CAS #: 13494-80-9
Relevant identified uses of the substance: Scientific research and development
Supplier details:
American Elements
1093 Broxton Ave. Suite 2000
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Tel: +1 310-208-0551
Fax: +1 310-208-0351
Emergency telephone number:
Domestic, North America +1 800-424-9300
International +1 703-527-3887
SECTION 2. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
Classification of the substance or mixture
Classification according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008
GHS06 Skull and crossbones
Acute Tox. 3 H301 Toxic if swallowed.
GHS07
Acute Tox. 4 H332 Harmful if inhaled.
Hazards not otherwise classified
No information known.
Label elements
Labelling according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008
The substance is classified and labeled according to the CLP regulation.
Hazard pictograms
GHS06
Signal word: Danger
Hazard statements
H301 Toxic if swallowed.
H332 Harmful if inhaled.
Precautionary statements
P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P264 Wash thoroughly after handling.
P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.
P321 Specific treatment (see on this label).
P405 Store locked up.
P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations.
WHMIS classification
D1A - Very toxic material causing immediate and serious toxic effects
Classification system
HMIS ratings (scale 0-4)
(Hazardous Materials Identification System)
HEALTH
FIRE
REACTIVITY
1
0
0
Health (acute effects) = 1
Flammability = 0
Physical Hazard = 0
Other hazards
Results of PBT and vPvB assessment
PBT: Not applicable.
vPvB: Not applicable.
SECTION 3. COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
Chemical characterization: Substances
CAS# Description:
13494-80-9 Tellurium
Identification number(s):
EC number:
236-813-4
SECTION 4. FIRST AID MEASURES
Description of first aid measures
General information
Immediately remove any clothing soiled by the product.
In case of irregular breathing or respiratory arrest provide artificial respiration.
After inhalation
Supply fresh air. If required, provide artificial respiration. Keep patient warm.
Seek immediate medical advice.
After skin contact
Immediately wash with water and soap and rinse thoroughly.
Seek immediate medical advice.
After eye contact
Rinse opened eye for several minutes under running water. Then consult a doctor.
After swallowing
Do not induce vomiting; immediately call for medical help.
Information for doctor
Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed
No further relevant information available.
Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed
No further relevant information available.
SECTION 5. FIREFIGHTING MEASURES
Extinguishing media
Suitable extinguishing agents
Special powder for metal fires. Do not use water.
For safety reasons unsuitable extinguishing agents
Water
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
If this product is involved in a fire, the following can be released:
Metal oxide fume
Hydrogen telluride
Advice for firefighters
Protective equipment:
Wear self-contained respirator.
Wear fully protective impervious suit.
SECTION 6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Wear protective equipment. Keep unprotected persons away.
Ensure adequate ventilation
Environmental precautions:
Do not allow material to be released to the environment without proper governmental permits.
Do not allow product to reach sewage system or any water course.
Do not allow to penetrate the ground/soil.
Methods and material for containment and cleaning up:
Dispose of contaminated material as waste according to section 13.
Prevention of secondary hazards:
No special measures required.
Reference to other sections
See Section 7 for information on safe handling
See Section 8 for information on personal protection equipment.
See Section 13 for disposal information.
SECTION 7. HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling
Precautions for safe handling
Keep container tightly sealed.
Store in cool, dry place in tightly closed containers.
Ensure good ventilation at the workplace.
Information about protection against explosions and fires:
No information known.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities
Storage
Requirements to be met by storerooms and receptacles:
No special requirements.
Information about storage in one common storage facility:
Do not store together with acids.
Store away from strong bases.
Reacts with certain metals.
Store away from halogens.
Do not store with interhalogens.
Store away from oxidizing agents.
Further information about storage conditions:
Keep container tightly sealed.
Store in cool, dry conditions in well sealed containers.
Specific end use(s)
No further relevant information available.
SECTION 8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION
Additional information about design of technical systems:
Properly operating chemical fume hood designed for hazardous chemicals and
having an average face velocity of at least 100 feet per minute.
Control parameters
Components with limit values that require monitoring at the workplace:
13494-80-9 Tellurium (100.0%)
PEL (USA) Long-term value: 0.1 mg/m³
as Te
REL (USA) Long-term value: 0.1 mg/m³
as Te
TLV (USA) Long-term value: 0.1 mg/m³
as Te
EL (Canada) Long-term value: 0.1 mg/m³
EV (Canada) Long-term value: 0.1 mg/m³
as tellurium
Additional information:
No data
Exposure controls
Personal protective equipment
General protective and hygienic measures
The usual precautionary measures for handling chemicals should be followed.
Keep away from foodstuffs, beverages and feed.
Remove all soiled and contaminated clothing immediately.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of work.
Maintain an ergonomically appropriate working environment.
Breathing equipment:
Use suitable respirator when high concentrations are present.
Protection of hands:
Impervious gloves
Check protective gloves prior to each use for their proper condition.
The selection of suitable gloves not only depends on the material, but also on quality. Quality will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Penetration time of glove material (in minutes)
Not determined
Eye protection:
Safety glasses
Body protection:
Protective work clothing.
SECTION 9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Information on basic physical and chemical properties
General Information
Appearance:
Form: Solid in various forms
Color: Silvery-white
Odor: Odorless
Odor threshold: Not determined.
pH-value: Not applicable.
Change in condition
Melting point/Melting range: 449.5 °C (841 °F)
Boiling point/Boiling range: 989.8 °C (1814 °F)
Sublimation temperature / start: Not determined
Flammability (solid, gaseous)
Not determined.
Ignition temperature: Not determined
Decomposition temperature: Not determined
Auto igniting: Not determined.
Danger of explosion: Not determined.
Explosion limits:
Lower: Not determined
Upper: Not determined
Vapor pressure: Not applicable.
Density at 20 °C (68 °F): 6.24 g/cm³ (52.073 lbs/gal)
Relative density
Not determined.
Vapor density
Not applicable.
Evaporation rate
Not applicable.
Solubility in / Miscibility with Water: Insoluble
Partition coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined.
Viscosity:
dynamic: Not applicable.
kinematic: Not applicable.
Other information
No further relevant information available.
SECTION 10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
Reactivity
No information known.
Chemical stability
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Thermal decomposition / conditions to be avoided:
Decomposition will not occur if used and stored according to specifications.
Possibility of hazardous reactions
Reacts with certain metals.
Conditions to avoid
No further relevant information available.
Incompatible materials:
Acids
Bases
Halogens
Interhalogens
Oxidizing agents
Hazardous decomposition products:
Metal oxide fume
Hydrogen telluride
SECTION 11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Information on toxicological effects
Acute toxicity:
Toxic if swallowed.
The Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) contains acute toxicity data for components in this product.
LD/LC50 values that are relevant for classification:
Oral LD50 83 mg/kg (rat)
Inhalative LC50/4H >2420 mg/m3/4H (rat)
Skin irritation or corrosion:
No irritant effect.
Eye irritation or corrosion:
May cause irritation
Sensitization:
No sensitizing effects known.
Germ cell mutagenicity:
No effects known.
Carcinogenicity:
No classification data on carcinogenic properties of this material is available from the EPA, IARC, NTP, OSHA or ACGIH.
Reproductive toxicity:
No effects known.
Specific target organ system toxicity - repeated exposure:
No effects known.
Specific target organ system toxicity - single exposure:
No effects known.
Aspiration hazard:
No effects known.
Subacute to chronic toxicity:
The Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) contains multiple dose toxicity data for this substance.
Additional toxicological information:
To the best of our knowledge the acute and chronic toxicity of this substance is not fully known.
The Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) contains reproductive and/or mutation data for components in this product.
SECTION 12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Toxicity
Aquatic toxicity:
No further relevant information available.
Persistence and degradability
No further relevant information available.
Bioaccumulative potential
No further relevant information available.
Mobility in soil
No further relevant information available.
Additional ecological information:
General notes:
Do not allow material to be released to the environment without proper governmental permits.
Do not allow undiluted product or large quantities to reach ground water, water course or sewage system.
Avoid transfer into the environment.
Results of PBT and vPvB assessment
PBT:
Not applicable.
vPvB:
Not applicable.
Other adverse effects
No further relevant information available.
SECTION 13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Waste treatment methods
Recommendation
Consult state, local or national regulations to ensure proper disposal.
Uncleaned packagings:
Recommendation:
Disposal must be made according to official regulations.
SECTION 14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
UN-Number
DOT, ADN, IMDG, IATA
Not applicable
UN proper shipping name
DOT, ADN, IMDG, IATA
Not applicable
Transport hazard class(es)
DOT, ADR, ADN, IMDG, IATA
Class
Not applicable
Packing group
DOT, IMDG, IATA
Not applicable
Environmental hazards:
Not applicable.
Special precautions for user
Not applicable.
Transport in bulk according to Annex II of MARPOL73/78 and the IBC Code
Not applicable.
Transport/Additional information:
DOT
Marine Pollutant (DOT):
No
SECTION 15. REGULATORY INFORMATION
Safety, health and environmental regulations/legislation specific for the substance or mixture
National regulations
All components of this product are listed in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Toxic Substances Control Act Chemical substance Inventory.
All components of this product are listed on the Canadian Domestic Substances List (DSL).
SARA Section 313 (specific toxic chemical listings)
Substance is not listed.
California Proposition 65
Prop 65 - Chemicals known to cause cancer
Substance is not listed.
Prop 65 - Developmental toxicity
Substance is not listed.
Prop 65 - Developmental toxicity, female
Substance is not listed.
Prop 65 - Developmental toxicity, male
Substance is not listed.
Information about limitation of use:
For use only by technically qualified individuals.
Other regulations, limitations and prohibitive regulations
Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) according to the REACH Regulations (EC) No. 1907/2006.
Substance is not listed.
The conditions of restrictions according to Article 67 and Annex XVII of the Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH) for the manufacturing, placing on the market and use must be observed.
Substance is not listed.
Annex XIV of the REACH Regulations (requiring Authorisation for use)
Substance is not listed.
REACH - Pre-registered substances
Substance is listed.
Chemical safety assessment:
A Chemical Safety Assessment has not been carried out.
16. OTHER INFORMATION
Safety Data Sheet according to Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH). The above information is believed to be correct but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide. The information in this document is based on the present state of our knowledge and is applicable to the product with regard to appropriate safety precautions. It does not represent any guarantee of the properties of the product. American Elements shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product. See reverse side of invoice or packing slip for additional terms and conditions of sale. COPYRIGHT 1997-2016 AMERICAN ELEMENTS. LICENSED GRANTED TO MAKE UNLIMITED PAPER COPIES FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY.
Tellurium Isotopes
Tellurium has six stable isotopes: 120Te, 122Te, 123Te, 124Te, 125Te and 126Te.
| Nuclide | Isotopic Mass | Half-Life | Mode of Decay | Nuclear Spin | Magnetic Moment | Binding Energy (MeV) | Natural Abundance (% by atom) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 105Te | 104.94364(54)# | 1# µs | Unknown | 5/2+# | N/A | 845.82 | - |
| 106Te | 105.93750(14) | 70(20) µs [70(+20-10) µs] | a to 102Sn | 0+ | N/A | 863.21 | - |
| 107Te | 106.93501(32)# | 3.1(1) ms | a to 103Sn; ß+ to 107Sb | 5/2+# | N/A | 871.29 | - |
| 108Te | 107.92944(11) | 2.1(1) s | ß+ to 108Sb; a to 104Sn; ß+ + p to 107Sb; ß+ + a to 104Ln | 0+ | N/A | 888.68 | - |
| 109Te | 108.92742(7) | 4.6(3) s | ß+ to 109Sb; ß+ + p to 108Sb; a to 105Sn ; ß+ + a to 105Ln | (5/2+) | N/A | 896.76 | - |
| 110Te | 109.92241(6) | 18.6(8) s | ß+ to 110Sb; ß+ + p to 110Sb | 0+ | N/A | 904.84 | - |
| 111Te | 110.92111(8) | 19.3(4) s | ß+ to 111Sb | (5/2)+# | N/A | 912.92 | - |
| 112Te | 111.91701(18) | 2.0(2) min | ß+ to 112Sb | 0+ | N/A | 930.31 | - |
| 113Te | 112.91589(3) | 1.7(2) min | ß+ to 113Sb | (7/2+) | N/A | 938.39 | - |
| 114Te | 113.91209(3) | 15.2(7) min | ß+ to 114Sb | 0+ | N/A | 946.47 | - |
| 115Te | 114.91190(3) | 5.8(2) min | ß+ to 115Sb | 7/2+ | N/A | 954.55 | - |
| 116Te | 115.90846(3) | 2.49(4) h | EC to 116Sb | 0+ | N/A | 971.95 | - |
| 117Te | 116.908645(14) | 62(2) min | EC to 117Sb | 1/2+ | N/A | 980.02 | - |
| 118Te | 117.905828(16) | 6.00(2) d | EC to 118Sb | 0+ | N/A | 988.1 | - |
| 119Te | 118.906404(9) | 16.05(5) h | EC to 119Sb | 1/2+ | 0.25 | 996.18 | - |
| 120Te | 119.90402(1) | Observationally Stable | - | 0+ | N/A | 1004.26 | 0.09 |
| 121Te | 120.904936(28) | 19.16(5) d | EC to 121Sb | 1/2+ | N/A | 1012.34 | - |
| 122Te | 121.9030439(16) | STABLE | - | 0+ | N/A | 1020.42 | 2.55 |
| 123Te | 122.9042700(16) | >600E+12 y | - | 1/2+ | -0.73679 | 1028.5 | 0.89 |
| 124Te | 123.9028179(16) | STABLE | - | 0+ | N/A | 1036.58 | 4.74 |
| 125Te | 124.9044307(16) | Observationally Stable | - | 1/2+ | -0.88828 | 1044.65 | 7.07 |
| 126Te | 125.9033117(16) | STABLE | - | 0+ | N/A | 1052.73 | 18.84 |
| 127Te | 126.9052263(16) | 9.35(7) h | ß- to 127I | 3/2+ | 0.64 | 1060.81 | - |
| 128Te | 127.9044631(19) | 2.2(3)E+24 y | 2ß- to 128Xe | 0+ | N/A | 1068.89 | 31.74 |
| 129Te | 128.9065982(19) | 69.6(3) min | ß- to 129I | 3/2+ | 0.7 | 1076.97 | - |
| 130Te | 129.9062244(21) | 790(100)E+18 y | 2ß- to 130Xe | 0+ | N/A | 1085.05 | - |
| 131Te | 130.9085239(21) | 25.0(1) min | ß- to 131I | 3/2+ | N/A | 1093.13 | - |
| 132Te | 131.908553(7) | 3.204(13) d | ß- to 132I | 0+ | N/A | 1101.21 | - |
| 133Te | 132.910955(26) | 12.5(3) min | ß- to 133I | (3/2+) | N/A | 1099.97 | - |
| 134Te | 133.911369(11) | 41.8(8) min | ß- to 134I | 0+ | N/A | 1108.05 | - |
| 135Te | 134.91645(10) | 19.0(2) s | ß- to 135I | (7/2-) | N/A | 1116.12 | - |
| 136Te | 135.92010(5) | 17.63(8) s | ß- to 136I; ß- + n to 135I | 0+ | N/A | 1114.89 | - |
| 137Te | 136.92532(13) | 2.49(5) s | ß- to 137I; ß- + n to 136I | 3/2-# | N/A | 1122.97 | - |
| 138Te | 137.92922(22)# | 1.4(4) s | ß- to 138I; ß- + n to 137I | 0+ | N/A | 1131.04 | - |
| 139Te | 138.93473(43)# | 500# ms [>300 ns] | ß- to 139I; ß- + n to 138I | 5/2-# | N/A | 1129.81 | - |
| 140Te | 139.93885(32)# | 300# ms [>300 ns] | ß- to 140I; ß- + n to 139I | 0+ | N/A | 1137.89 | - |
| 141Te | 140.94465(43)# | 100# ms [>300 ns] | ß- to 141I; ß- + n to 140I | 5/2-# | N/A | 1136.65 | - |
| 142Te | 141.94908(64)# | 50# ms [>300 ns] | ß- to 142I | 0+ | N/A | 1144.73 | - |