What Is Thallium Acetate?
Thallium acetate is an odorless, tasteless, white crystalline powder.
Its IUPAC name is thallium(I) acetate, and it is also known as thallium monoacetate or thallous acetate. It is a metal salt with the chemical formula TlC2H3O2 and a molecular weight of 263.43.
Uses of Thallium Acetate
Thallium acetate was used as a depilatory in dermatology and as a cosmetic depilatory cream in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it is strictly controlled as a deleterious substance due to its toxicity.
Current uses include rat poison (expired pesticides), insecticides, pesticides in general (including intermediates), firework dyes, optical materials, and electronic materials. In microbiology, it is also used as an additive for selective cultivation of bacteria.
Thallium acetate was used in ancient times as a rat poison. Rats have a keen sense of smell, and thallium acetate was often used because it is tasteless, odorless, and toxic. Nowadays, rat poison is available in safer materials such as coumarin-based rat poison.
Prussian blue (iron (II) hexacyanoferrate (III)) is used as a remedy in cases where thallium has been ingested by accidental ingestion of rat poison.
Properties of Thallium Acetate
Thallium acetate is solid at room temperature with a melting point of 130°C. It is tidally soluble. It is soluble in water, ethanol, and chloroform, and insoluble in acetone.
Thallium is one of the most toxic elements known as acute and chronic poisons. The effects of exposure are cumulative and symptoms may be delayed for 12 to 24 hours. If inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin, it can be fatal.
The lethal dose in humans by ingestion is about 8 mg per kg of body weight. It is acutely toxic (orally) and toxic for reproduction, and has various hazards, including life-threatening if swallowed, suspected adverse effects on fertility and the fetus, hair (alopecia) disorders, nervous system disorders, nervous system disorders due to long-term or repeated exposure, and toxic to aquatic organisms.
Types of Thallium Acetate
There are two types of thallium acetate depending on the oxidation state: Thallium Acetate (I) and Thallium Acetate (II) (English: Thallium(III) triacetate).
Thallium acetate (II) has the chemical formula TlC6H9O6, molecular weight 381.52, and CAS No. 2570-63-0.
Other Information on Thallium Acetate
1. Production Process of Thallium Acetate
Thallium acetate is synthesized from thallium hydroxide or thallium carbonate and thallium acetate. It can be purified by recrystallization in alcohol after evaporation of the solvent.
2. Precautions for Handling and Storage
Handling
Avoid contact with strong oxidizers and acids. It is important to use the product in a draft chamber with local exhaust ventilation. Also, wear personal protective equipment when using the product.
In Case of Fire
Thallium acetate is nonflammable and will not itself burn. However, thermal decomposition may produce corrosive and toxic vapors or gases.
Use water spray, foam, powder extinguishing media, carbon dioxide, or dry sand to extinguish fires. Do not use stick spray.
In Case of Skin Contact
It is corrosive and irritating. Care should be taken to prevent adhesion to the skin. Always wear protective clothing, such as a lab coat or work clothes and protective gloves when using the product.
Sleeves of protective clothing should never be rolled up to prevent skin exposure. In the unlikely event of skin contact, wash off with soap and copious amounts of water. If on clothing, remove all contaminated clothing and isolate. It is important to seek medical attention immediately.
In Case of Eye Contact
It is strongly irritating to the eyes. Protective eyewear or goggles must be worn during use as serious injury may occur.
In the unlikely event of eye contact, rinse the eye cautiously with water for several minutes. If you are wearing contacts and can easily remove them, take them off and rinse thoroughly. It is important to always seek medical attention.
Storage
When storing, place in a glass container and keep tightly closed. Store in a cool, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight. It is also important that the storage unit is always locked.