Potassium telluride is an inorganic compound with a chemical formula K2Te. It is formed from potassium and tellurium, making it a telluride.[2] Potassium telluride is a white powder. Like rubidium telluride and caesium telluride, it can be used as an ultraviolet detector in space. Its crystal structure is similar to other tellurides, which have an anti-fluorite structure.
![]() K+: __ Te2-: __ | |
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3D model (JSmol) | |
ChemSpider | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.032.039 |
EC Number |
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PubChem CID | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | |
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Properties | |
K2Te | |
Molar mass | 298.64 g/mol |
Appearance | pale yellow powder, turns grey when exposed to air[1] |
Melting point | 874 °C |
Related compounds | |
Other anions | Potassium oxide Potassium sulfide Potassium selenide Potassium polonide |
Other cations | Lithium telluride Sodium telluride Rubidium telluride Caesium telluride |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). |
Production
Tellurium will react with melting potassium cyanide (KCN) producing potassium telluride. It can also be produced by direct combination of potassium and tellurium, usually in liquid ammonia solvent:[3]
Reactions
Adding potassium telluride to water and letting the filtrate stand in air leads to an oxidation reaction that generates potassium hydroxide (KOH) and elemental tellurium:[3][4]
References
- Sangester J. and Pelton AD; Journal of Phase Equilibria, 1997, 18(4) p. 394.