What is Titanium oxide?
Titanium Oxide is an inorganic compound that is broadly utilized as a white pigment by industries. The chemical formula for the compound is TiO2 and its molecular weight is 79.866 g mol-1. The chemical structure for the compound is also given below.
Titanium oxide Chemical Formula
Titanium Oxide is found in the nature of minerals. This is a dark brown, yellow, or orange colored mineral who is available naturally in a limited quantity only. There are plenty of techniques can be used for the preparation of Titanium Oxide. The best process is combining Titanium and oxygen together and most of TiO2 is extracted from natural deposits only. It may exist in pure form too where it needs to be treated with sulfuric acid.
Ti(OEt)4 + 2 H2O → TiO2 + 4 EtOH
Titanium oxide Properties
This is a tasteless and odorless white crystalline powder. The melting point of the compound is 1840 degree Celsius and its boiling point is 2900 degree Celsius approximately. The density of the compound is 4.26 g mL-1 approximately. It is not soluble in hydrochloric acid, water, an organic solvent, and diluted sulfuric acid etc. At the same time, it is soluble in concentrated sulfuric acid, hot concentrated sulfuric acid or alkaline solutions etc.
Because of the high reflective index, titanium oxide can be used as the white pigment. Further, it has the high oxidized potential and it can be used for producing photocatalyst where it is used for the preparation of wastewater to promote the oxidation of contaminants to a less dangerous compound. This chemical compound is approved by the FDA and taken as the safety ingredient in cosmetics or foods.