What is the Difference Between Titanium Oxide and Titanium Dioxide?

The main difference between titanium oxide and titanium dioxide lies in their chemical composition and oxidation states. Titanium oxide (TiO) contains one titanium cation and two oxygen anions, while titanium dioxide (TiO2) contains one titanium cation and two oxygen anions. The oxidation number of titanium in titanium oxide is +2, whereas the oxidation number of titanium in titanium dioxide is +4.

Titanium dioxide is a white, powdery substance commonly used as a pigment in paints, coatings, plastics, and food products. It is chemically inert, meaning it does not react with other chemicals, making it a stable substance suitable for various industrial applications. Titanium dioxide can be found in three structural forms: brookite, anatase, and rutile.

In summary, the key differences between titanium oxide and titanium dioxide are:

• Chemical composition: TiO versus TiO2
• Oxidation state of titanium: +2 in TiO and +4 in TiO2
• Uses: TiO is not as widely used as TiO2, which is commonly employed as a pigment in various applications

Comparative Table: Titanium Oxide vs Titanium Dioxide

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a compound that exists in two major forms: rutile and anatase. While the terms "titanium oxide" and "titanium dioxide" are often used interchangeably, they can refer to different compounds. Here is a table comparing the key differences between titanium oxide (TiO2) and titanium dioxide in its rutile and anatase forms:

Titanium dioxide is a crucial material with numerous applications, including the production of metallic titanium, titanium dioxide pigments, plastics, papers, and paints. The rutile form of titanium dioxide is often used in high-end products due to its relatively high price.