Thallium(I) sulfate facts for kids
Thallium(I) sulfate, also known as thallous sulfate, is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is Tl2SO4. It is made up of thallium and sulfate ions. The thallium part has a +1 oxidation state, which means it has a specific electrical charge.
What It's Like
Thallium(I) sulfate is a clear substance. It has no color, no smell, and no taste. But don't let that fool you – it is very, very poisonous! It dissolves easily in water, much like sugar or salt does. This chemical is also quite similar to potassium sulfate, which is a common chemical found in fertilizers.
How It's Made
Scientists create thallium(I) sulfate by dissolving thallium ore (which is rock containing thallium metal) or pure thallium metal in sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid is a very strong and corrosive liquid.
Past Uses
In the past, thallium(I) sulfate was used in rat poison. However, because it looks and acts so much like other harmless chemicals, it accidentally poisoned many people. Because of this danger, it was made illegal in many places. It was also once used in some medicines. But doctors soon found out it was far too toxic for human use. This chemical can also stop plants from sprouting or growing from seeds. Today, it is mainly used in laboratories as a way to get thallium for other experiments. For example, it helps make another chemical called thallium(I) sulfide.
Why It's Dangerous
Thallium(I) sulfate, like all chemicals containing thallium, is very poisonous. The main reason it's so dangerous is that the thallium ion is almost the same size as the potassium ion. Potassium is a very important chemical that our body's cells need to work properly. When thallium enters the body, our cells can mistake it for potassium. Once inside the cells, the thallium cannot do the job that potassium does. This messes up the cell's normal functions and can kill the cell. Thallium can also get into your body just by touching your skin. Eating even a small amount, like half a gram, can be deadly. Once in the body, it tends to collect in important organs like the kidneys, liver, and brain.
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