9377. Thorium Oxide

Nomenclature

CAS number: 1314-20-1
Thorium dioxide; thoria.
O2Th; mol wt 264.04.
O 12.12%, Th 87.88%.
ThO2.

Description and references

Review: Keller in Comprehensive Inorganic Chemistry vol. 5, J. C. Bailar, Jr. et al., Eds. (Pergamon Press, Oxford, 1973) pp 221-223.

Properties

White, heavy, infusible, cryst powder; when heated is incandescent. d 10.0. mp 3390°. Insol in water or alkalies. Sol in acids with difficulty.

Derivative

Suspension contg 20-25% ThO2.

Nomenclature

Thorotrast.

Description and references

Reviews of tumor induction by Thorotrast: Looney, Am. J. Roentgenol. Radium Ther. Nucl. Med. 83, 163-185; Smoron, Battifora, Cancer 30, 1252-1259 (1972).

Caution

Thorium oxide is listed as a known human carcinogen: Report on Carcinogens, Eleventh Edition (PB2005-104914, 2004) p III-154.

Therapeutic Category

Has been used as diagnostic aid (radiopaque medium).

Keywords

Diagnostic Aid (Radiopaque Medium)