Skip to main content

Iridium

ADVERTISEMENT
Identification
Molecular formula
Ir
CAS number
7439-88-5
IUPAC name
iridium
State
State

At room temperature, iridium is a solid. It is an extremely dense metal and exhibits a very high melting point. Being in a solid state, it typically forms as a part of metallic alloys used for industrial applications because of its resilience and stability under harsh conditions.

Melting point (Celsius)
2 466.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
2 739.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
4 130.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
4 403.00
General information
Molecular weight
192.22g/mol
Molar mass
192.2170g/mol
Density
22.5600g/cm3
Appearence

Iridium is a chemical element with a silvery-white appearance. It is one of the densest elements, and it is known for its highly reflective and lustrous surface. As a metal, it exhibits excellent corrosion resistance, maintaining its sheen even at high temperatures.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Iridium

Iridium (Ir) is a transition metal known for its high resistance to corrosion and oxidation. Its solubility characteristics are quite unique due to its metallic nature. Here’s an overview of iridium's solubility:

  • General Solubility: Iridium is known to be *practically insoluble* in water and most organic solvents.
  • Acids: However, it can be dissolved in *aqua regia* (a mixture of hydrochloric and nitric acid), which can break down the metal's strong bonds.
  • Complex Formation: Iridium can also form complexes that may exhibit differing solubility properties in various solvents.

In summary, the solubility of iridium varies significantly depending on the medium and conditions applied. Its exceptional *corrosion resistance* contributes to its overall insolubility in standard conditions, and it’s essential to use specialized chemical treatments for processing iridium in laboratory settings.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Iridium

Iridium is a fascinating element with a rich history and unique properties that make it a subject of interest in both chemistry and industry. Here are some noteworthy facts about this transition metal:

  • Rarity: Iridium is one of the rarest elements in the Earth's crust, making up only about 0.001 parts per million. Its scarcity makes it highly valuable.
  • Origin of Name: The name "iridium" comes from the Latin word iris, meaning rainbow, due to the various colors of its compounds.
  • High Melting Point: It boasts an incredibly high melting point, making it useful in high-temperature applications, including spark plugs and in various electrical contacts.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Iridium is highly resistant to corrosion and tarnishing, which is why it is often used in jewelry and in applications exposed to harsh environments.
  • Role in Nature: Iridium is associated with the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event because a layer of iridium-rich clay has been found in the geologic record, leading scientists to theorize about a possible asteroid impact.

Because of its unique properties, iridium has applications in various fields, including:

  1. Aerospace: Used in jet engines and other high-performance components.
  2. Medical Devices: Employed in cancer treatment via radiotherapy as a source of iridium-192.
  3. Electronics: Utilized in the production of electrical contacts and spark plugs.

As noted by renowned scientist Marie Curie, "The most valuable aspect of science is to understand the world around us, even those elements as elusive as iridium." This emphasizes the importance of studying such rare elements, as they hold keys to numerous advancements in technology and science.

Through continued research and exploration, iridium remains an element of great significance, reflecting the intricate relationships between rare materials and human innovation.

Synonyms
IRIDIUM
7439-88-5
Iridium metallicum
Iridium, elemental
IR
HSDB 7067
EINECS 231-095-9
UNII-44448S9773
DTXSID0064674
CHEBI:49666
44448S9773
WEAKNESS
DTXCID8047636
231-095-9
Iridium black
iridium atom
Iridium wire
Iridium powder, -325 mesh
MFCD00011062
IRIDIUM, SPONGE
Iridium, ion(Ir4 )
Iridium Standard: Ir @ 1000 microg/mL in 20% HCl
Iridium Standard: Ir @ 10000 microg/mL in 20% HCl
hydrido-iridium
Iridium powder
Iridium sponge
Iridium foil
iridium dihydride
Iridium Nanorods
Iridium C
Iridium Nanowires
iridium pentahydride
Iridium single crystal disc, 10mm (0.39in) dia, 1-2mm (0.04-0.08in) thick, (110) orientation, +/-0.5 degrees
iridium(4+)
iridium(iv) hydride
Iridium (IV) ion
iridium ion (4+)
Ir/C
Iridium (~ 20 mesh)
Iridium powder, -60 mesh
Iridium sponge, -100 mesh
HSDB 7066
Ir(4+)
Iridium, powder, puriss., 99.9%
Iridium powder, -22 mesh, Premion?
AKOS015833373
FI54944
Iridium wire, 0.5mm (0.02in) dia
Iridium wire, 1.0mm (0.04in) dia
Iridium foil, 0.5mm (0.02in) thick
Q877
Iridium wire, 0.075mm (0.003in) dia
CS-0082565
Iridium, powder, 99.9% trace metals basis
NS00081810
Iridium foil, 0.25mm (0.01in) thick, hard
Iridium - Ir @ 1000 microg/mL in 20% HCl
Iridium foil, 0.127mm (0.005in) thick, hard
Iridium Standard: Ir @ 10 microg/mL in 2% HCl
Lanthanum Nickel Oxide (LaNiO3) Sputtering Targets
Q27461515
I000000010
Iridium, sponge, -20 mesh, 99.9% trace metals basis
Iridium Internal Standard: Ir @ 10 microg/mL in 2% HCl
Iridium, rod, 25mm, diameter 2.0mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, rod, 25mm, diameter 3.0mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, rod, 50mm, diameter 2.0mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, rod, 50mm, diameter 3.0mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire, diam. 0.15 mm, 99.9% trace metals basis
Iridium, black, powder, -200 mesh, >=99% trace metals basis
Iridium, foil, thickness 0.07 mm, 99.5% trace metals basis
Iridium, foil, thickness 0.25 mm, 99.9% trace metals basis
Iridium, rod, 4.0 mm diameter, length 25 mm, purity 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.1m, diameter 0.1mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.1m, diameter 0.2mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.1m, diameter 0.5mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.1m, diameter 0.8mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.1m, diameter 1.0mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.2m, diameter 0.1mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.2m, diameter 0.2mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.2m, diameter 0.5mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.2m, diameter 0.8mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.2m, diameter 1.0mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.3m, diameter 0.5mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.4m, diameter 0.5mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.5m, diameter 0.1mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.5m, diameter 0.2mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.5m, diameter 0.5mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 1m, diameter 0.075mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 1m, diameter 0.125mm, as drawn, 99.5%
Iridium, wire reel, 1m, diameter 0.125mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 1m, diameter 0.15mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 1m, diameter 0.177mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 1m, diameter 0.1mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 1m, diameter 0.25mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 1m, diameter 0.2mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 2m, diameter 0.125mm, as drawn, 99.5%
Iridium, wire reel, 2m, diameter 0.125mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 2m, diameter 0.15mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, foil, 25x25mm, thickness 0.125mm, as rolled, 99.9%
Iridium, foil, 25x25mm, thickness 0.15mm, as rolled, 99.9%
Iridium, foil, 25x25mm, thickness 0.25mm, as rolled, 99.9%
Iridium, foil, thickness 0.1 mm, size 25 x 25 mm, purity 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.025m, diameter 2.0mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.05m, diameter 0.075mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.05m, diameter 0.1mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.05m, diameter 0.8mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.05m, diameter 1.0mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.05m, diameter 2.0mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.1m, diameter 0.075mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.1m, diameter 0.125mm, as drawn, 99.5%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.1m, diameter 0.125mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.1m, diameter 0.15mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.1m, diameter 0.177mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.1m, diameter 0.25mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.1m, diameter 0.38mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.2m, diameter 0.075mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.2m, diameter 0.125mm, as drawn, 99.5%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.2m, diameter 0.125mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.2m, diameter 0.15mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.2m, diameter 0.177mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.2m, diameter 0.25mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.2m, diameter 0.38mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.5m, diameter 0.075mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.5m, diameter 0.125mm, as drawn, 99.5%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.5m, diameter 0.125mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.5m, diameter 0.15mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.5m, diameter 0.177mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.5m, diameter 0.25mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire reel, 0.5m, diameter 0.38mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire, 0.25 mm diameter, size 100 mm, purity 99.9%
Iridium, wire, 0.25 mm diameter, size 1000 mm, purity 99.9%
Iridium, wire, 0.25 mm diameter, size 200 mm, purity 99.9%
Iridium, wire, 0.25 mm diameter, size 500 mm, purity 99.9%
Iridium, wire, straight, 100mm, diameter 0.5mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire, straight, 100mm, diameter 0.7mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire, straight, 100mm, diameter 0.8mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire, straight, 100mm, diameter 1.0mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire, straight, 200mm, diameter 0.5mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire, straight, 200mm, diameter 0.6mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire, straight, 200mm, diameter 0.7mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire, straight, 200mm, diameter 0.8mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire, straight, 200mm, diameter 1.0mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire, straight, 500mm, diameter 0.5mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire, straight, 50mm, diameter 0.6mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire, straight, 50mm, diameter 0.7mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire, straight, 50mm, diameter 0.8mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, wire, straight, 50mm, diameter 1.0mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Iridium, foil, thickness 0.03 mm, size 25 x 25 mm, purity 99.9%
Iridium, powder, max. particle size 50 micron, weight 1 g, purity 99.9%
Iridium, powder, max. particle size 50 micron, weight 2 g, purity 99.9%
Iridium, evaporation slug, diam. x L 0.6 cm x 1.2 cm, 99.9% trace metals basis
Iridium, foil, 0.025m coil, thickness 0.05mm, coil width .5mm, as rolled, 99.9%
Iridium, foil, 0.05m coil, thickness 0.05mm, coil width .5mm, as rolled, 99.9%
Iridium, foil, 0.18m coil, thickness 0.05mm, coil width .5mm, as rolled, 99.9%
Iridium, foil, 0.1m coil, thickness 0.05mm, coil width .5mm, as rolled, 99.9%
Iridium, foil, light tested, 25x25mm, thickness 0.025mm, as rolled, 99.9%
Iridium, foil, light tested, 25x25mm, thickness 0.05mm, as rolled, 99.9%
Iridium, powder, 850 max. part. size (micron), high purity 99.995%, weight 1 g
Iridium single crystal disc, 10mm (0.39in) dia, 1-2mm (0.04-0.08in) thick, (100) orientation, +/-0.5 degrees
Iridium single crystal disc, 10mm (0.39in) dia, 1-2mm (0.04-0.08in) thick, (111) orientation, +/-0.5 degrees
Iridium, microfoil, disks, 10mm, thinness 0.1mum, specific density 224mug/cm2, permanent mylar 3.5mum support, 99.9%
Iridium, microfoil, disks, 25mm, thinness 0.1mum, specific density 224mug/cm2, permanent mylar 3.5mum support, 99.9%