THALLIUM(I) CHLORIDE

Absorption

After IV administration, thallous chloride clears rapidly from the blood, with maximum concentration in the myocardium after about 10 min. Only 5-8% of injected activity remained in the blood, following 5 minutes of intravenous administration.

Toxicity

LD50 (mouse): 24 mg/kg. Minimum lethal dose (Human): 8 mg/kg. Thallium inhibits enzymes, but nothing is really known of a biochemical lesion. In fatal cases, there usually is extensive peripheral paralysis and cardiovascular involvement. The immediate cause of death may be peripheral respiratory failure of cardiac arrest.

Chemical properties

White, crystalline powder; becomes violet on exposure to light. Slightly soluble in water; insoluble in alcohol, ammonium hydroxide.

The Uses of THALLIUM(I) CHLORIDE

Catalyst (chlorination), suntan lamp monitors.

The Uses of THALLIUM(I) CHLORIDE

It is used as a catalyst in chlorination's and in suntan lamps. The low solubility of TlCl is exploited in chemical synthesis: treatment of metal chloride complexes with TlPF6, gives the corresponding metal hexafluorophosphate derivative. It is used as a tracer in medical imaging.

The Uses of THALLIUM(I) CHLORIDE

Used to prepare cage, dinuclear complexes (TI-cyclodiphosphazanes) which possess interesting metal-metal interactions.

Background

Thallous chloride (also known as Thallium(I) chloride) is a colourless solid intermediate in the isolation of thallium from its ores. It is created from the treatment of thallium(I) sulfate with hydrochloric acid. This solid crystallizes in the caesium chloride motif. It is used as a diagnostic radiopharmaceutical. It is used for diagnosis of heart and parathyroid problems. The following are among the possible side effects: Blurred vision, chest pain or discomfort, chills, confusion, cough, difficulty with breathing, difficulty with swallowing, and dizziness.

Indications

For use as a diagnostic radiopharmaceutical. It is indicated to help diagnose heart disease (eg, coronary artery disease, heart attack). It is also used for the diagnosis of parathyroid problems.

Preparation

Thallium chloride may be prepared by heating the metal with chlorine.

Definition

ChEBI: Thallium monochloride is a thallium molecular entity and an inorganic chloride.

General Description

White, crystalline powder, becomes violet on exposure to light. Used as a catalyst in chlorinations and in suntan lamps.

Reactivity Profile

Fluorine and THALLIUM(I) CHLORIDE react violently, melting the product [Mellor Supp. 1:63 1956]. When heated to decomposition, THALLIUM(I) CHLORIDE emits very toxic fumes of chloride and thallium. Thallium(I) chloride is vigorously attacked by cold fluorine. A mixture of potassium and THALLIUM(I) CHLORIDE produces a weak explosion on impact [EPA, 1998].

Hazard

Thallium chloride is highly toxic. Acute toxic effects are those of thallium poisoning.

Health Hazard

(Non-Specific -- Thallium Salts) Poisonous if swallowed. Inhalation of dust is poisonous.

Fire Hazard

(Non-Specific -- Thallium Salts) Fire may produce irritating or poisonous gases. When heated to decomposition, THALLIUM(I) CHLORIDE emits very toxic fumes of chloride and thallium. Thallium(I) chloride is vigorously attacked by cold fluorine. A mixture of potassium and THALLIUM(I) CHLORIDE produces a weak explosion on impact.

Pharmacokinetics

Data not found.

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion and intraperitoneal routes. An experimental teratogen. Mutation data reported. Incompatible with F2. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of Cland T1. See also THALLIUM COMPOUNDS and CHLORIDES.

Metabolism

Data not found

Purification Methods

Crystallise it from 1% HCl and wash it until acid-free, or crystallise it from hot water (50mL/g), then dry it at 140o and store it in brown bottles. Also purify it by subliming it in a vacuum, followed by treatment with dry HCl gas and filtering while molten. (It is soluble in 260 parts of cold water and 70 parts of boiling water). POISONOUS.