| 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 theirstandard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
Lithium tritelluride is anintercalary compound oflithium andtellurium withempirical formulaLiTe
3. It is one of four known members of the Li-Te system, the others being the raw metals andlithium telluride (Li
2Te).
LiTe3 was first discovered in 1969 by researchers at theUS Atomic Energy Commission.[1] Research into the compound has been primarily driven by the possibility of usingmolten tellurium salts to cool anuclear reactor.[2][3][4]
Lithium tritelluride can be synthesized by heating a mixture of the appropriate stoichiometry. It is unstable below304 °C; if left below that temperature, it will decompose, releasingtellurium vapor.[2][3][4]
Structurally, lithium tritelluride is composed ofparallelgraphene-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.[5]
{{cite tech report}}:Missing or empty|title= (help), as cited inValentine, Cavin & Yakel 1977.