Titanium dioxide (TiO2), also known as titanium(IV) oxide or titania, is a white, opaque inorganic compound derived from titanium. It is a fine white powder that is insoluble in water and naturally occurs in several crystalline forms, primarily rutile and anatase

. It is widely used as a pigment, known as titanium white or Pigment White 6 (PW6), for imparting whiteness and opacity in products such as paints, coatings, plastics, paper, inks, ceramics, and textiles

. Titanium dioxide is also used as a food coloring agent (E171) and in cosmetics and personal care products like sunscreens, toothpastes, and powders due to its bright white color and UV light resistance

. In sunscreens, nano-sized titanium dioxide particles are used because they are transparent yet effective at blocking harmful ultraviolet rays

. It also exhibits photocatalytic activity, which can provide self-cleaning and disinfecting properties under UV light exposure

. Globally, titanium dioxide production is very large, exceeding millions of tonnes annually, reflecting its extensive industrial and consumer applications

. In summary, titanium dioxide is a versatile, widely used white pigment and UV filter found in many everyday products, valued for its brightness, opacity, and UV protective qualities