| Formula / Notation | O4Os |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 20816-12-0 |
| Molecular Weight | 254.2 |
| Melting Point | 105 °F (NIOSH, 2024) |
| Boiling Point | 266 °F at 760 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024) |
| Density | 5.1 (NIOSH, 2024) - Denser than water; will sink |
| Solubility | 6 % at 77 °F (NIOSH, 2024) |
| Appearance | Osmium tetroxide appears as a colorless or yellow solid with a pungent odor of chlorine. Begins to sublime below melting point. Soluble in alcohol. Toxic by inhalation and a strong irritant to the ... |
| Also Known As | tetraoxoosmium; 20816-12-0; Osmium tetraoxide; Osmic acid; Perosmic oxide; Osmium(VIII) oxide; Osmic acid anhydride; Osmium oxide (OsO4), (T-4)-; Perosmic acid anhydride; RCRA waste number P087 |
| Category | Laboratory Reagents |
What is Osmium tetroxide?
Osmium tetroxide is an osmium coordination entity consisting of four oxygen atoms bound to a central osmium atom via covalent double bonds. It has a role as a NMR chemical shift reference compound, a fixative, an oxidising agent, a poison and a histological dye.
Formula & Notation
IUPAC Name: tetraoxoosmium
Other Names / Synonyms: tetraoxoosmium; 20816-12-0; Osmium tetraoxide; Osmic acid; Perosmic oxide; Osmium(VIII) oxide; Osmic acid anhydride; Osmium oxide (OsO4), (T-4)-; Perosmic acid anhydride; RCRA waste number P087
Properties & Characteristics
Physical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 105 °F (NIOSH, 2024) |
| Boiling Point | 266 °F at 760 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024) |
| Density | 5.1 (NIOSH, 2024) - Denser than water; will sink |
| Molecular Weight | 254.2 |
| Solubility | 6 % at 77 °F (NIOSH, 2024) |
| Appearance | Osmium tetroxide appears as a colorless or yellow solid with a pungent odor of chlorine. Begins to sublime below melting point. Soluble in alcohol. Toxic by inhalation and a strong irritant to the ... |
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Osmium tetroxide is an osmium coordination entity consisting of four oxygen atoms bound to a central osmium atom via covalent double bonds. It has a role as a NMR chemical shift reference compound, a fixative, an oxidising agent, a poison and a histological dye.
Used as a synthetic reagent for transformations including oxidation, reduction, coupling, or functional group manipulation.
Hazardous reagent. May be toxic, corrosive, flammable, or reactive. Use in fume hood with full PPE. Consult SDS before use.
The formula or notation for Osmium tetroxide is: O4Os