Rhodium. Number 45. Rh. Atomic weight: 102.9055.
Electron Configuration
Melting Point
Boiling Point
Density
Color
Physical State at Room Temperature
Common Ion Charges
Reactions
Common Compounds
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[Kr] 5s2 4d7
1964 °C
3695 °C
12450 kg m^-3
Silver-white metallic
Solid
Rh3+ (most common, though 5+, 4+, 2+, 1+ possible)
Doesnt react with air but can at 600 degrees C, doesnt react with water, Reacts with Fluorine to form RhF6, inert to reactions with acids.
Rhodium trifluoride, Rhodium hexafluoride, Rhodium tetrafluoride, Rhodium trichloride, Rhodium tribromide, Rhodium dioxide. Dirhodium trioxide, Rhodium disulphide.
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Discovery: Rhodium was discovered by William Hyde Wollaston in England in 1803. Its name comes from the Greek word "rhodon" which means "rose". It can be found in nickel and copper deposits, thought it is extremely rare.
Uses: Rhodium is used for a variety of things ranging from jewelry to electric contact materials. It is one of the most expensive metals in the world (next to platinum). It is also used as an industrial catalyst and can be used in car catalytic converters which are used to clean up exhaust gases. Evaporated plated rhodium is used in optical instruments as it is very hard. When used in an alloy, Rhodium is used to harden platinum and palladium.
Hazards: Rhodium is not usually hazardous but its compounds can be, though humans rarely come into contact with rhodium at all.
Uses: Rhodium is used for a variety of things ranging from jewelry to electric contact materials. It is one of the most expensive metals in the world (next to platinum). It is also used as an industrial catalyst and can be used in car catalytic converters which are used to clean up exhaust gases. Evaporated plated rhodium is used in optical instruments as it is very hard. When used in an alloy, Rhodium is used to harden platinum and palladium.
Hazards: Rhodium is not usually hazardous but its compounds can be, though humans rarely come into contact with rhodium at all.