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thallium [Tl]
From the Greek thallos meaning green twig or shoot, because of the color of its spectral lines. Discovered in 1861 by Sir William Crookes.
Occurrence:
1) sparsely but widely distributed
2) by-product of producing sulfuric acid
3) by-product of refining zinc or lead
Characteristics:
1) silvery-white metal
2) resembles lead in its physical properties
3) forms Tl+1
4) toxic
Uses:
1) used chiefly in the form of compounds
2) Tl-201 as thallous chloride (Tl+) is used in myocardial perfusion studies; 1/2 life of 72 hours
3) photoelectric cells, semiconductors
4) pesticides
4) many traditional uses have been phased out because of its toxicity
Pathology:
- alopecia most common manifestation of toxicity
- painful ascending neuropathy
- gastrointestinal symptoms [3]
Related
myocardial perfusion & viability scintigraphy
periodic table
thallium in specimen
Tl+
General
chemical element
metal
Properties
SIZE: AW = 204.38
atomic number
VALUE: 81
VALENCE: XE 4F14 5D10 6S2 6P1
References
- Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, Miriam-
Webster Inc. Springfield, MA 1990
- Chemical & Engineering News, Sept 8, 2003
- Harmon J, Kapitanyan R
Poisoning Clues on the Skin: 8 Cases.
Medscape. March 8, 2021
https://reference.medscape.com/slideshow/poisoning-clues-6013719