Titanium (Ti)

Atomic Number22
Atomic Mass47.8671 u
CategoryTransition metal
Electron Config[Ar] 3d² 4s²
Appearancesilvery grey-white metallic
Density (STP)4507 g/L
Melting Point1941 K
Boiling Point3560 K
Electronegativity1.54 (Pauling)
Ionization Energy658.8 kJ/mol
Atomic Radius140 pm
Crystal StructureSimple Hexagonal
Discovered ByWilliam Gregor (1791)

Brief Introduction

Titanium (Ti) is a lustrous, strong, lightweight transition metal with exceptional corrosion resistance. It is the ninth most abundant element in Earth's crust and has the highest strength-to-density ratio of any metallic element. Key details about Titanium (Ti) are as follows:

Uses: Used extensively in aerospace (jet engines, airframes), military applications, medical implants (biocompatible and non-magnetic), chemical processing equipment, sporting goods, and as titanium dioxide (TiO₂) white pigment in paints, plastics, paper, and sunscreen.

Production/Extraction: Extracted from ilmenite and rutile ores. Produced via the Kroll process (reducing titanium tetrachloride with magnesium) or through newer methods like the FFC Cambridge process. Production is energy-intensive and expensive.

History: Discovered in 1791 by William Gregor in Cornwall, England. Independently rediscovered by Martin Heinrich Klaproth in 1795, who named it after the Titans of Greek mythology. Pure metallic titanium wasn't isolated until 1910 by Matthew A. Hunter.

Health Effects & Safety: Biologically inert and non-toxic, making it ideal for medical implants (joint replacements, dental implants, pacemakers). Titanium powder and fine particles are flammable. No known biological role but highly biocompatible.

Price/Market: Expensive compared to steel and aluminum due to complex extraction. Prices driven by aerospace and medical demand. Growing interest in additive manufacturing (3D printing) with titanium alloys.

Properties: Excellent strength-to-weight ratio, outstanding corrosion resistance (especially to seawater and chlorine), high melting point (1668°C), low thermal expansion, paramagnetic, and can be alloyed with many elements to enhance properties.

← Scandium (Sc) · Vanadium (V) →

Periodic Table