Tl: meaning, definitions and examples
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Tl
[ ˈθæliəm ]
chemical element
Tl is the chemical symbol for thallium, a soft, malleable metal that is part of group 13 on the periodic table. It is known for its high toxicity and is often used in electronics, optical materials, and as a poison in some rodenticides.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Thallium is often used in the production of certain optical devices.
- The discovery of thallium changed the landscape of chemistry.
- Due to its toxicity, thallium must be handled with extreme care.
- Thallium sulfide is utilized in infrared optical applications.
Word origin
The name 'thallium' is derived from the Greek word 'thallos,' meaning 'green shoot' or 'branch,' which refers to the bright green spectral line it produces. Thallium was discovered in 1861 by the British chemist Sir William Crookes while he was conducting experiments with spectrometry. Its unique properties and the distinctive green line in its spectrum led to its identification as a new element. Thallium's usage has evolved over the years; it was once widely used in the production of rodenticides and insecticides, particularly due to its high toxicity. However, concerns regarding its environmental impact and health risks have limited its application in recent decades. Today, thallium is primarily utilized in specialized applications such as electronics, glass production, and as a component in certain types of lasers.