Titanium was discovered in 1791 by William Gregor, an English clergyman, and mineralogist, in the mineral ilmenite from a stream in Cornwall, England. He detected the presence of a new element by its oxide, which he initially called menachite.
A few years later, in 1795, the German chemist Martin Heinrich Klaproth independently discovered the element in rutile and named it titanium after the Titans of Greek mythology. It wasn’t until 1910 that Matthew A. Hunter achieved the first pure titanium by reducing titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄) with sodium.
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- Symbol: Ti
- Atomic Number: 22
- Atomic Weight: 47.867
- Element Classification: Transition Metal
- Discovered By: William Gregor
- Discovery Date: 1791
- Name Origin: Greek: ‘Titanes’ (the first sons of the Earth in mythology)
- Density(g/cc): 4.506 (at 20°C)
- Melting Point: 1668°C
- Boiling Point: 3287°C
- Appearance: Silvery-grey-white metallic
- Atomic Radius(pm): 147
Relation to Other Elements
Titanium is a transition metal known for its strength, low density, and high corrosion resistance, which results from the formation of a stable oxide layer when exposed to air. It shares these properties with other transition metals, such as iron and aluminum, but is distinguished by its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to corrosion. Titanium is located in group 4 of the periodic table and often forms compounds in the +4 oxidation state. Its alloys are known for their high tensile strength and toughness, even at extreme temperatures.
Natural Occurrence
Titanium is the ninth most abundant element in the Earth’s crust and is found in nearly all rocks and sediments, though it is rarely found in its elemental form due to its reactivity. The most significant titanium minerals are ilmenite (FeTiO₃) and rutile (TiO₂), which are mined for the production of titanium metal and titanium dioxide (TiO₂), a white pigment widely used in paints, plastics, and paper.
Uses
Titanium and its alloys have a wide range of applications due to their unique properties:
- Aerospace: The aerospace industry values titanium for its high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for aircraft and spacecraft components.
- Medical Devices: Titanium is biocompatible, resistant to body fluids, and non-magnetic, making it perfect for medical implants, such as hip and knee replacements, and dental implants.
- Sporting Goods: Due to its lightweight and strength, titanium is used in sporting goods like golf clubs, bicycles, and tennis rackets.
- Chemical Processing: Titanium’s excellent resistance to corrosion makes it suitable for chemical processing equipment, such as heat exchangers, reactors, and piping.
- Pigments and Sunscreens: Titanium dioxide is a bright white pigment used in paints, coatings, paper, food coloring, and sunscreens for its UV-blocking properties.
The discovery of titanium greatly impacted materials science and engineering, introducing a metal that combines the best attributes of strength, weight, and resistance to corrosion. Its applications across diverse fields, from aerospace to medicine, underscore its importance in modern technology and industry.