Titanium(III) oxide explained

Titanium(III) oxide is the inorganic compound with the formula Ti₂O₃. A black semiconducting solid, it is prepared by reducing titanium dioxide with titanium metal at 1600 °C.

Ti₂O₃ adopts the Al₂O₃ (corundum) structure. It is reactive with oxidising agents. At around 200 °C, there is a transition from semiconducting to metallic conducting. Titanium(III) oxide occurs naturally as the extremely rare mineral in the form of tistarite.^[1]

Other titanium(III) oxides include LiTi₂O₄ and LiTiO₂.^[2]

Notes and References

1. Mindat, http://www.mindat.org/min-38695.html
2. 10.1016/0022-3697(87)90076-X. A Survey of first-row ternary oxides LiMO2 (M = Sc-Cu). 1987. Hewston. T.A.. Chamberland. B.L.. Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids. 48. 2. 97–108. 1987JPCS...48...97H.