Ruthenium

Definition

Ruthenium is a chemical component that has the symbol Ru and atomic number 44. A rare changeover metal of the platinum group of the periodic table, ruthenium is found connected with platinum ores and used as a catalyst in some platinum alloys.

Properties

Ruthenium has four crystal modifications and does not dull at normal temperatures, but does oxidize eagerly on exposure to air to form ruthenium tetroxide, RuO4, a strong oxidising agent with properties analogous to those of osmium tetroxide. Ruthenium dissolves in fused alkalis, is not attacked by acids but is attacked by halogens at high temperatures.

World Resources

Ruthenium