Tellurate
Tellurate refers to several related concepts, primarily within chemistry and mineralogy. It can describe:
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A chemical compound: Tellurates are compounds containing tellurium in an anionic form. Specifically, they are salts or esters containing the TeO42โ anion (tellurate(VI)) or, less commonly, TeO32โ 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.
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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 (TeO32โ). 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.
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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.