Platinum Croup Metals

Ground state electron configuration Crystal structure  

Discovery Priority for a sixth platinum group element was claimed in 1809 by the Pole Sniadecki and in 1828 by Osann from Estonia. None of these discoveries was approved. In 1844 Karl Karlovich Klaus, Estonia, discovered a new metal in Russian platinum and named the new element ruthenium after Russia. 

Most important mineral Ruthenium is a PGM (platinum group metal). It is mainly found alloyed with other platinum metals, from which it is recovered commercially. In the PGM deposits in the South African Merensky Reef the ruthenium content (relative to the total PGM quantity) is 8%, in the Canadian Sudbury and Russian Norilsk deposits 3% and 2% respectively. 

Mean content in an adult human body Content In a man s body (weight 70 kg)  

Ruthenium is a hard, white metal. It does not tarnish at room temperature and is not attacked by acids, not even aqua regia. If potassium chlorate is added, however, the reaction is explosive. Ruthenium is used as an alloying element for platinum and palladium, making these metals harder by soluhon hardening. Such alloys have a high resistance to wear and are used in the manufacture of tips for fountain-pen nibs. A content of 0.1% Ru in titanium improves the corrosion resistance of this metal. Stable anodes for chlorine production are made of titanium, coated with ruthenium. A new technique for improved storage capacity on hard disks uses ruthenium. 

---

Schafer J and Puchelt H (1998) Platinum Croup Metals (PGM) emitted from automobile catalytic converters and their distribution in roadside soils. J Geochem Expl 64 307-314. 

Uses of the Platinum Croup Metals 1755 ble 32.6 Standardized noble metal combinations for thermocouples [32.11]... 

---