Tellurate
Tellurate refers to several related concepts, primarily within chemistry and mineralogy. It can describe:
-
A chemical compound: Tellurates are compounds containing tellurium in an anionic form. Specifically, they are salts or esters containing the TeO42− anion (tellurate(VI)) or, less commonly, TeO32− anion (tellurate(IV)), along with other related polyoxotellurates. The oxidation state of tellurium is crucial in defining the specific tellurate. Tellurates are often analogous to sulfates and selenates.
-
A mineral: Some minerals contain tellurium in the tellurate form. These are relatively rare. An example is Cesbronite, Cu5(TeO3)2(OH)4, which contains tellurite (TeO32−). Other examples include magnolite and zemannite. The term "tellurate mineral" indicates the presence of the tellurate anion (or a related tellurium oxide anion) as a crucial component of the mineral's chemical formula.
-
An organotellurate: This refers to organic compounds containing tellurium bonded to carbon, analogous to organosulfates or organoselenates. These are studied in organotellurium chemistry.
In summary, "tellurate" is a general term encompassing compounds and minerals characterized by the presence of tellurium in an anionic form, typically as part of a larger structure or molecule. The specific oxidation state and bonding of the tellurium atom determine the exact properties and classification of the tellurate.