Reactions of tin(II) halides with tellurium(IV) halides: a new route to subhalides of tellurium

Abstract

Reactions of SnX₂ with TeX₄(X = Cl, Br, or I) have been monitored by differential thermal analysis in closed tubes, and the products identified by their X-ray powder patterns. In the course of the reactions, Sn^II is always oxidized to Sn^IV. In the chloride system, Te^IV is reduced to elemental Te, whereas in the bromide system the subhalide Te₂Br and in the iodide system the subhalide Tel (α and / or β modification) are formed. An excess of Sn^II causes further reduction of the subhalides to elemental Te.