R

Ruthenium

IUPAC: Ruthenium

Ru Elements CAS 7440-18-8
Quick Reference
Formula / NotationRu
CAS Number7440-18-8
Molecular Weight101.07
Melting Point2334.0
Boiling Point4150.0
Density12.37
SolubilityInsoluble in water
AppearanceHard, lustrous, silvery-white metal
Also Known AsRu, ruthenium metal
CategoryElements

What is Ruthenium?

Ruthenium is a hard, lustrous, white platinum group metal, atomic number 44. Relatively rare. Used as a hardener in platinum and palladium alloys. Important catalyst in organic chemistry (Grubbs catalyst for olefin metathesis).

Formula & Notation

Ru

IUPAC Name: Ruthenium

Other Names / Synonyms: Ru, ruthenium metal

Properties & Characteristics

Atomic number: 44. Atomic mass: 101.07 g/mol. Period 5, Group 8. Melting point: 2334 C. Boiling point: 4150 C. Density: 12.37 g/cm3. Electronegativity: 2.20. Oxidation states: 0 to +8. Seven stable isotopes. Platinum group metal.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point2334.0
Boiling Point4150.0
Density12.37
Molecular Weight101.07
SolubilityInsoluble in water
AppearanceHard, lustrous, silvery-white metal

Uses & Applications

Platinum and palladium alloy hardener (electrical contacts, pen tips). Grubbs catalyst (olefin metathesis - Nobel Prize 2005). Ruthenium-based dye solar cells. Thick film resistors. Data storage (perpendicular recording). Anti-cancer ruthenium complexes (research).

Safety Information

Ruthenium metal: low acute toxicity. Ruthenium tetroxide (RuO4): highly toxic, volatile - strong oxidiser, causes severe lung and eye damage. Ruthenium compounds: variable toxicity. Handle finely divided powder carefully.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Ruthenium
Formula Ru
CAS Number 7440-18-8
Molecular Weight 101.07
Category Elements
Synonyms Ru, ruthenium metal

Frequently Asked Questions

Ruthenium is a hard, lustrous, white platinum group metal, atomic number 44. Relatively rare. Used as a hardener in platinum and palladium alloys. Important catalyst in organic chemistry (Grubbs catalyst for olefin metathesis).

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