metalsruthenium

Ruthenium is a chemical element with the symbol Ru and atomic number 44. It is a hard, silvery-white transition metal in the platinum group. Ruthenium is relatively rare in the earth’s crust and commonly occurs as a minor constituent of platinum ores; it is mostly obtained as a byproduct of nickel and copper mining and refining.

Properties of ruthenium include a high melting point, substantial density, and excellent resistance to corrosion and wear. It shows a variety of oxidation states, from 0 to +8 in some compounds, enabling diverse chemistry. The metal itself is relatively inactive in air but forms oxides and halide complexes under appropriate conditions. Ruthenium forms stable organometallic compounds, such as ruthenocene, and participates in catalysis through various ruthenium-based catalysts. Certain ruthenium oxides and carbonyls are important in industrial chemistry, while volatile ruthenium tetroxide (RuO4) is highly toxic and must be handled with care.

Occurrence and production of ruthenium are tied to platinum-group metal (PGM) mining and refining. It is typically recovered from ores of platinum, nickel, and copper as a byproduct of processing, and refined through complex chemical separations to isolate the metal.

Applications of ruthenium are diverse. It is used as a catalyst in hydrogenation, oxidation, and other organic transformations, and as a catalyst support or promoter in various industrial processes. Ruthenium alloys and plating improve hardness and corrosion resistance, and the metal is employed in electrical contacts, thick-film resistors, and certain electronic components. In jewelry and coatings, ruthenium contributes color and durability.

Safety considerations address toxicity of certain ruthenium compounds and the hazards of volatile or oxidizing ruthenium species. Proper handling and containment are required in industrial settings.