Introduction to Ruthenium
The element ruthenium is a shiny, silver-gray, brittle metal that looks like platinum. Computer chips, jewelry, and electrodes all contain the element ruthenium.
10 Fun Facts About Ruthenium
- 1. Ruthenium is used in some fountain pen nibs.
- 2. Ruthenium was the last of the platinum group metals to be discovered.
- 3. Ruthenium is toxic to humans, like the element cadmium.
- 4. Ruthenium compounds stain/discolor the skin.
- 5. Ruthenium is the only group 8 element that does not have two electrons in its outer shell.
- 6. Pure ruthenium is susceptible to attack by halogens and hydroxides. It is not affected by acids, water, or air.
- 7. The ruthenium elemental abundance in the Earth’s crust is estimated to be 1 part per billion by weight.
- 8. The ruthenium elemental abundance in the solar system is believed to be about 5 parts per billion by weight.
- 9. Ruthenium is frequently alloyed with palladium or platinum to increase its strength.
- 10. Ruthenium is used to plate other metals.
Ruthenium in the Periodic Table
Ruthenium has the atomic symbol Ru with an atomic number of 44, in the d-block of the periodic table, with technetium to its left and rhodium to its right. It is one of the seventy metals on the periodic table. Ruthenium has an electron configuration of [Kr] 4d75s1. Additionally, the element has an electronegativity of 2.2 on the Pauling scale.
Ruthenium’s Application in Today’s World
Ruthenium in the Everyday House
With its diverse products, ruthenium can be found around your own house in multiple objects, however small. For starters, you can look around your house and find electrical switches and circuit breakers which are made from ruthenium. Some jewelry can contain the element ruthenium as an alloy with platinum. Additionally, ruthenium is used widely in chemical catalysis, aiding in the synthesis of many important pharmaceutical compounds.
Ruthenium in the Future
Ruthenium has a plethora of developing applications. It is mostly utilized for electrical contacts and chip resistors in the electronics field. In the chemical industry, ruthenium oxide is used to coat the anodes of electrochemical cells that produce chlorine. Moreover, catalysts for the production of acetic acid and ammonia contain ruthenium. In order to create electrical connections with extreme wear resistance, ruthenium is alloyed with platinum and palladium. These alloys have enhanced strength compared to their constituent metals.
Where is Ruthenium Found?
Ruthenium is one of the rarest metals in the world. Although it can be found in nature in its pure form, it is most frequently found in the minerals pentlandite ((Fe, Ni)₉S₈) and in conjunction with platinum (Pt). It is produced commercially as a byproduct of nickel refinement.
When and How was the Ruthenium Element Discovered?
Russian scientist Karl Karlovich Klaus discovered ruthenium in 1844 while examining the leftovers of a platinum ore sample he had taken from the Ural highlands. Ruthenium was reportedly discovered in 1807 by Polish chemist Jedrzej Sniadecki, who later renounced his claim after other researchers were unable to confirm his findings.
Ruthenium Element Chemistry – Compounds, Reactions, Isotopes, Oxidation States
Ruthenium Compounds and Reactions
- Ruthenium tetroxide: Ru + O2 → RuO4
- Ruthenium (II) Chloride: Ru + Cl2 → RuCl2
- Ruthenium pentafluoride: Ru + F5 → RuF5
Isolation of Elemental Ruthenium
Quantitative separations of microgram quantities of ruthenium from large proportions of copper, iron, and nickel can be accomplished with the use of anion exchange paper. Accurate determinations of ruthenium identity can be made with X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy.
Ruthenium Isotopes
The seven naturally occurring isotopes of ruthenium include the mass numbers 96 (0.10% nominal natural abundances), 98, 100, 101, 102, and 104.
Ruthenium Oxidation States
Ruthenium oxidation ranges between anything from 0 to +8, and -2 and -4.
Properties of Ruthenium Element
- Atomic Symbol: Ru
- Melting point: 2,334°C
- Boiling point: 4,150°C
- Density: 12.2 g/ml
- Atomic weight: 101.07 u
- Atomic number: 44
- Electronegativity: 2.2
- Molar heat capacity: 24.1 J/(mol*K)
- Classification: metal
- Natural abundance in the Earth’s crust: 0.001 ppm
- Electron shell configuration: [Kr] 4d75s1
- Stable Isotopes: Ruthenium 98, Ruthenium 100, Ruthenium 101, Ruthenium 102, and Ruthenium 104.
- Found naturally in the minerals: Nickel
- Toxicity: All Ruthenium compounds are highly toxic and volatile and they can stain the skin.
Where Can I Buy Ruthenium Element?
Pure ruthenium costs around $465 per ounce. You can buy them from online sellers such as those on Amazon and eBay.