CHEMISTRY GLOSSARY

superoxide    →   superoksid

Superoxides are binary compounds containing oxygen in the -½ oxidation state. Sodium superoxide (NaO₂) can be prepared with high oxygen pressures, whereas the superoxides of rubidium, potassium, and cesium can be prepared directly by combustion in air. These compounds are yellow to orange paramagnetic solids. Superoxide ion, O₂^-, has an unpaired electron, is not particularly stable, and spontaneously decomposes into peroxide over time.

They are strong oxidising agents that vigorously hydrolyze (react with water) to produce superoxide and oxygen gas.

T-shaped molecular geometry    →   T-oblik geometrije molekule

T-shape is a molecular geometry that results when there are 3 bonds and 2 lone pairs around the central atom in the molecule. The atoms bonded to the central atom lie at the ends of a T with 90° angles between them. Molecules with an trigonal bipyramidal electron pair geometries have sp³d (or dsp³) hybridization at the central atom. ICl₃ has a T-shaped molecular geometry.

tantalum    →   tantal

Tantalum was discovered by Anders Ekeberg (Sweden) in 1802. The origin of the name comes from the Greek word Tantalos meaning father of Niobe in Greek mythology, (tantalum is closely related to niobium in the periodic table). It is rare, grey, heavy, hard but ductile, metal with a high melting point. Exposed surfaces form corrosion resistant oxide film. Attacked by HF and fused alkalis. Metal ignites in air. Tantalum always found with niobium. Chiefly occurs in the mineral tantalite. Often used as an economical substitute for platinum. Tantalum pentoxide is used in capacitors and in camera lenses to increase refracting power. It and its alloys are corrosion and wear resistant so it is used to make surgical and dental tools.

tautomerism    →   tautomerija

Tautomerism refers to equilibrium between two different structures of the same compound. Usually the tautomers differ in the point of attachment of a hydrogen atom. One of the most common examples of a tautomeric system is the equilibrium between a ketone (keto) and aldehyde (enol).

tear gas    →   suzavac

Tear gases is the common name for substances which, in low concentrations, cause pain in the eyes, flow of tears and difficulty in keeping the eyes open. Tear gases are used mainly in military exercises and in riot control, etc., but have also been used as a method of warfare. Irritating gases have been used in war since ancient times but it was not until after the Second World War that a more systematic search for effective substances was started. Among a long series of substances, three have become of greater importance than the others. These substances are chloroacetophenone (codename CN), orto-chlorobenzylidene-malononitrile (CS) and dibenz(b,f)-1,4-oxazepine (CR).

technetium    →   tehnecij

Technetium was discovered by Carlo Perrier and Emilio Segre (Italy) in 1937. The origin of the name comes from the Greek word technikos meaning artificial. It is silvery-grey metal. Resists oxidation but tarnishes in moist air and burns in high oxygen environment. First synthetically produced element. Radioactive. Technetium is made first by bombarding molybdenum with deuterons (heavy hydrogen) in a cyclotron. Added to iron in quantities as low as 55 part-per-million transforms the iron into a corrosion-resistant alloy.

teflon    →   teflon

Teflon is a DuPont Company trademark for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). It was discovered in 1938 by R. J. Plunkett. Teflon has the lowest coefficient of friction of any solid material known to man. It is also used as a non-stick coating for pans and other cookware. Teflon is very unreactive, and so is often used in containers and pipework for reactive chemicals. Its melting point is 327 °C.

tellurium    →   telurij

Tellurium was discovered by Franz Joseph Muller von Reichstein (Romania) in 1782. The origin of the name comes from the Latin word tellus meaning earth. It is silvery-white, brittle semi-metal. Unreactive with water or HCl; dissolves in HNO₃; burns in air or oxygen. Tellurium is obtained as a by-product of copper and lead refining. Used to improve the machining quality of copper and stainless steel products and to colour glass and ceramics. Also in thermoelectric devices. Some is used in the rubber industry and it is a basic ingredient in manufacturing blasting caps.

temporary hardness    →   prolazna tvrdoća

Temporary Hardness is due to the bicarbonate ion, HCO₃^-, being present in the water. It can be removed by water reboiling, whereby white solid emerges calcium carbonate that is limescale.

tetragonal crystal system    →   tetragonski kristalni sustav

Minerals of the tetragonal crystal system are referred to three mutually perpendicular axes. The two horizontal axes are of equal length, while the vertical axis is of different length and may be either shorter or longer than the other two.