Toothpaste Without Titanium Dioxide-What Is The Difference Between Titanium Dioxide And Titanium Oxide

What Is The Difference Between Titanium Dioxide And Titanium Oxide

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and titanium oxide are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, but there is a technical distinction between the two terms.

Titanium dioxide is the specific chemical compound with the formula TiO2. It is the most common and well-known oxide of titanium. Titanium dioxide is used extensively as a white pigment in paints, in the manufacturing of plastics, in sunscreen products to protect skin from ultraviolet light, and in various other applications. It is also known for its photocatalytic properties, which can be utilized in self-cleaning products and environmental purification.

Titanium oxide, on the other hand, is a broader term that refers to any compound composed of titanium and oxygen. This includes titanium dioxide (TiO2) but also other titanium oxides such as titanium(III) oxide (Ti2O3), titanium(IV) oxide (TiO2, which is the same as titanium dioxide), and titanium(II) oxide (TiO). These different titanium oxides have varying oxidation states of the titanium atom and different properties.

In summary:

– Titanium dioxide specifically refers to the compound TiO2.

– Titanium oxide refers to any compound made of titanium and oxygen, which includes TiO2 and other compounds with different oxidation states of titanium.