Thallium (I) iodide is a yellow solid, nearly insoluble in water. It is used as infrared radiation transmitter (crystals mixed with thallium bromide).
Yellow powder. Insoluble in alcohol;
slightly soluble in water; soluble in aqua regia.
Mixed crystals with thallium bromide for
infrared radiation transmitters.
Thallium(I) iodide is used in mercury lamp to enhance its performance. It is mainly used for underwater lighting, since the blue green light produced has least absorption in water. Scintillator made by using iodide salt of thallium, sodium and cesium is utilized for radiation scintillation detectors.
Poison by ingestion and subcutaneous routes. Human systemic effects: blood pressure lowering, change in motor activity, muscle weakness. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of T1 and I-. See also IODIDES and THALLIUM COMPOUNDS.
Reflux it for 2-3hours with water containing HI, then wash it until acid-free, and dry it at 120o. Store it in brown bottles. [D.nges in Handbook of Preparative Inorganic Chemistry (Ed. Brauer) Academic Press Vol I p 870 1963]. POISONOUS.
