Identifiers | |
---|---|
3D model (
JSmol)
|
|
| |
Properties | |
LiTe3 | |
Molar mass | 389.74 g·mol−1 |
Related compounds | |
Related compounds
|
lithium telluride |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their
standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
|
Lithium tritelluride is an
intercalary compound of
lithium and
tellurium with
empirical formula LiTe
3. It is one of three known members of the Li-Te system, the others being the raw metals and
lithium telluride (Li
2Te).
LiTe3 was first discovered in 1969 by researchers at the US Atomic Energy Commission. [1] Research into the compound has been primarily driven by the possibility of using molten tellurium salts to cool a nuclear reactor. [2] [3]
Lithium tritelluride can be synthesized by heating a mixture of the appropriate stoichiometry. It is unstable below 304 °C; if left below that temperature, it will decompose, releasing tellurium vapor. [2] [3]
Structurally, lithium tritelluride is composed of parallel graphene-like planes of tellurium. Atoms in these planes are aligned to form "vertical" columns of tellurium; the lithium ions then form columns running through the center of each tellurium hexagon. [4]
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(
help), as cited in
Valentine, Cavin & Yakel 1977.