Na3RuCl6

Na3RuCl6 is an inorganic compound that represents the sodium salt of the hexachlororuthenate(III) anion. Its formula is commonly written as Na3[RuCl6], consisting of three Na+ counterions and the [RuCl6]3− complex anion. In this anion, ruthenium is in the +3 oxidation state and is coordinated octahedrally by six chloride ligands.

Solid Na3[RuCl6] forms as a crystalline salt. The [RuCl6]3− unit imparts a chloride-rich coordination environment typical of hexachlorometallate species. The compound is part of a family of alkali-metal hexachlororuthenates and has related salts with other alkali metals, such as K3[RuCl6], Rb3[RuCl6], and Cs3[RuCl6].

Preparation and uses: Na3[RuCl6] can be prepared by metathesis reactions that exchange the counterion from a pre-existing hexachlororuthenate salt with sodium ions under chloride-rich conditions. In inorganic synthesis, such salts serve as precursors to ruthenium-containing materials and as examples of halometallate chemistry.

Safety: as with many inorganic salts, it should be handled with standard laboratory precautions; avoid inhalation and ingestion, and use appropriate protective equipment.

See also: hexachlororuthenate(III) [RuCl6]3−, Na3[RuCl6] and related alkali-metal hexachlororuthenates.