Application History of Thallium and Its Educational Value of Risk
JI Yu-Qing, PAN Qing, CAI Kai-Cong**
Fujian Normal University, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou 350117, China
Abstract In 1861-1862, British chemist Crookes and French chemist Lamy discovered thallium (Tl) while analyzing spectra of mineral residues. In the early 20th century, Tl was widely used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, and gradually replaced due to its health risks. However, Tl and its compounds were applied in modern medicine, scientific research, and industry due to their radioactive, optical properties, and high-temperature superconductivity in the mid to late 20th century. The application history of Tl demonstrates the importance of safety awareness and scientific ethics, thus reveal the connection between scientific progress and social responsibility. The potential risks and ethical issues should not be ignored during technological innovation, and scientific developments must be ensured for human interest.
JI Yu-Qing, PAN Qing, CAI Kai-Cong. Application History of Thallium and Its Educational Value of Risk[J]. Chinese Journal of Chemical Education, 2025, 46(17): 121-125.
