Block (periodic table) elements that are commonly recognized as metalloids are in the p-block: boron, silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony, and tellurium. Metalloids tend to have lower electrical conductivity than metals, yet often higher than nonmetals. They tend to form chemical bonds similarly to nonmetals, but may dissolve in metallic alloys without covalent or ionic bonding. Metalloid additives can improve properties of metallic alloys, sometimes paradoxically to their own apparent properties. Some may give a better electrical conductivity, higher corrosion resistance, ductility, or fluidity in molten state, etc. to the alloy. Boron has many carbon-like properties, but is very rare. It has many uses,
Tellurium hexafluoride Tellurium hexafluoride Tellurium hexafluoride is a chemical compound of tellurium and fluorine with the chemical formula TeF. It is a colorless, highly toxic gas with an extremely unpleasant smell. Tellurium hexafluoride is most commonly prepared by passing fluorine gas over tellurium at 150 °C. Below this temperature a mixture of lower fluorides form, including tellurium tetrafluoride and ditellurium decafluoride. It can also be prepared by passing fluorine gas over TeO or indirectly by reacting TeO with SeF to produce TeF and then heating TeF in excess of 200 °C to make TeF and Te. Tellurium hexafluoride is a highly symmetric