Iridium. Number 77. Ir. Atomic weight: 192.217.
Electron Configuration
Melting Point
Boiling Point
Density
Color
Physical State at Room Temperature
Common Ion Charges
Reactions
Common Compounds
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[Xe] 7s2 4f14 5d7
2466 °C
4428 °C
22650 kg m^-3
Silver-white metallic
Solid
Ir4+, Ir3+
Doesn't react with oxygen except for heating where IrO2 is produced, Doesn't react with water, reacts with Fluorine to make IrF6, inert to reactions with acids.
Iridium trifluoride, Iridium hexafluorideIridium tetrafluoride, Iridium pentafluoride tetramer, idium dichloride, Iridium trichloride, Iridium tetrachloride, Iridium tribromide, Iridium tetrabromide, Iridium dioxide, Iridium disulphide
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Discovery: Iridium was discovered by Smithson Tennant (who also discovered osmium) in 1803. Its name comes from the Greek word "iris" meaning "rainbow". In the dark residue from dissolving platinum in aqua regia, Tennant found both osmium and iridium. Iridium is usually found in alloys with platinum or in alloys with osmium, commonly iridiosmium and osmiridium. Iridium can also be found on meteorites.
Uses: Iridium is used as a hardening agent for platinum, for electrical contacts and for use in compasses. In an alloy with osmium it is also used as tips in pens. It is also used to make crucibles (a container) used at high temperatures.
Hazards: Iridium is relatively unreactive, thus it is generally not considered toxic (though some of its compounds may be). Powdered iridium can be an irritant and is also a fire hazard.
Uses: Iridium is used as a hardening agent for platinum, for electrical contacts and for use in compasses. In an alloy with osmium it is also used as tips in pens. It is also used to make crucibles (a container) used at high temperatures.
Hazards: Iridium is relatively unreactive, thus it is generally not considered toxic (though some of its compounds may be). Powdered iridium can be an irritant and is also a fire hazard.