Ruthenium. Number 44. Ru. Atomic weight: 101.07.
Electron Configuration
Melting Point
Boiling Point
Density
Color
Physical State at Room Temperature
Common Ion Charges
Reactions
Common Compounds
|
[Kr] 5s2 4d6
2334 °C
4150 °C
12370 kg m^-3
Silver-white metallic
Solid
Ru3+, Ru4+
Rarely reacts with air, doesnt react with water, reacts with fluorine, doesnt react with acids.
Ruthenium trifluoride, Ruthenium hexaflouride, Ruthenium tetraflouride, Ruthenium dichloride, Ruthenium trichloride, Ruthenium tribromide, Ruthenium dioxide, Ruthenium tetraoxide, Ruthenium disulphide.
|
Discovery: Ruthenium was officially discovered in 1844 by Karl Karlovich Klaus (also Carl Ernst Claus) in Russia. However, Polish chemist Jędrzej Śniadecki had discovered it in 1807, but named it vestium and withdrew his claim. Ruthenium comes from the latin word "Ruthenia" which means "Russia". Ruthenium is a very rare element but can be found with platinum, osmium, and iridium, or from the ore called pentlandite (an iron and nickel sulfide).
Uses: Ruthenium is used to improve the resistance of titanium to corrosion, and is also used to harden platinum and palladium. A 0.1% addition of ruthenium in titanium will improve the corrosion resistance of titanium a hundred times.
Hazards: All ruthenium compounds are possibly carcinogenic and highly toxic. Its compounds will also stain the skin.
Uses: Ruthenium is used to improve the resistance of titanium to corrosion, and is also used to harden platinum and palladium. A 0.1% addition of ruthenium in titanium will improve the corrosion resistance of titanium a hundred times.
Hazards: All ruthenium compounds are possibly carcinogenic and highly toxic. Its compounds will also stain the skin.