Question

Give a brief account of the oxoacids of tellurium.

Answer 1

1. Tellurium forms oxoacids similar to sulphur and selenium. These include tellurous acid (H₂TeO₃) and telluric acid (H₂TeO₄).
2. Tellurous acid (H₂TeO₃) is the tellurium analogue of sulphurous acid and contains tellurium in +4 oxidation state.
3. Telluric acid (H₂TeO₄) is analogous to sulphuric acid, with tellurium in the +6 oxidation state.
4. The strength and stability of tellurium oxoacids decrease down the group; hence, tellurium acids are weaker and less stable than sulphur and selenium acids.
5. These oxoacids have structures similar to their sulphur counterparts, involving central tellurium atoms bonded to oxygen atoms, some of which are hydroxyl groups.
6. Tellurium oxoacids are important in understanding the chemistry of group 16 elements beyond sulphur and selenium.