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Rhodium

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Identification
Molecular formula
Rh
CAS number
7440-16-6
IUPAC name
rhodium
State
State

At room temperature, rhodium is a solid. It is noted for its high reflectance and is often used in jewelry and mirrors for its stunning, bright and shiny finish.

Melting point (Celsius)
1 964.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
2 237.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
3 695.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
3 968.00
General information
Molecular weight
102.91g/mol
Molar mass
102.9060g/mol
Density
12.4100g/cm3
Appearence

Rhodium is a silver-white metallic element that is highly reflective and resistant to corrosion. It is a member of the platinum group of metals and is often found in platinum or nickel ores. In its natural state, it has a shiny, whitish appearance.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Rhodium Compounds

Rhodium, a member of the platinum group metals, exhibits some interesting characteristics when it comes to solubility. While the element itself is known to be quite insoluble in water, many of its compounds can have varying degrees of solubility depending on their chemical form and the medium in which they are dissolved.

Solubility Characteristics:

  • Rhodium(III) chloride (RhCl3): Soluble in water, making it useful in various chemical reactions.
  • Rhodium(III) nitrate (Rh(NO3)3): Also soluble in water and can form clear solutions.
  • Rhodium carbonyl (Rh(CO)2): Soluble in organic solvents such as benzene and toluene, demonstrating its reactivity.

When discussing solubility, it is essential to consider the following factors:

  1. Polarity: The compound's polarity influences its solubility in polar vs. non-polar solvents.
  2. Temperature: Higher temperatures can enhance solubility for some compounds.
  3. Ionic strength: The presence of salts in solution can affect the solubility of rhodium compounds.

In practical applications, the solubility of rhodium compounds can be pivotal, particularly in catalysis and electrochemistry. For instance, the solubility of rhodium catalysts in organic solutions can enhance their effectiveness in various reactions, whereas their insolubility in water can limit their use in aqueous environments.

In summary, while elemental rhodium is largely insoluble, its compounds can display a diverse range of solubility behaviors based on their composition and the conditions of the solution.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Rhodium

Rhodium, a member of the platinum group metals, stands out as a remarkable element in the field of chemistry and materials science. Here are some intriguing aspects of this unique element:

  • Historical Discovery: Rhodium was discovered in 1803 by the chemist William Hyde Wollaston. Its name derives from the Greek word rhodon, meaning "rose," which refers to the rose-colored salt he first isolated from platinum ore.
  • Exceptional Catalytic Properties: One of the most notable uses of rhodium is as a catalyst in chemical reactions, particularly in the automotive industry. It is key in catalytic converters, helping to reduce harmful emissions by converting harmful gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides into less harmful substances.
  • Scarcity and Value: Rhodium is one of the rarest elements in the Earth's crust. In fact, it is estimated to be about 100 times rarer than gold, making it exceptionally valuable and sought after in various industries.
  • Resistance to Corrosion: Rhodium displays remarkable resistance to corrosion and oxidation, which contributes to its use in high-temperature applications and as a coating for jewelry, giving a highly reflective finish that enhances durability.
  • Applications Beyond Catalysis: Aside from its catalytic roles, rhodium is also used in the production of mirrors and optical instruments due to its reflective properties. Its alloys are employed in electrical contacts, as well as in various electronic and chemical applications.

In summary, rhodium is not only a fascinating metal due to its unique properties and rarity, but it also plays a critical role in modern technology and environmental preservation. Its versatility and importance continue to be subjects of extensive research and application across various scientific disciplines.

As chemists and scientists delve deeper into the properties and potentials of rhodium, its role in sustainability and industry may expand, making it a promising element for future innovations.

Synonyms
RHODIUM
7440-16-6
Rhodium black
rodio
rhodium atom
RH
EINECS 231-125-0
HSDB 2534
DMK383DSAC
RHODIUM [HSDB]
RHODIUM METALLICUM
RHODIUM [MI]
DTXSID3052480
RHODIUM METALLICUM [HPUS]
Rhodium 103
Rhodium metal
Elemental rhodium
HEADACHE
Rhodium and compounds
RHODIUM (METAL FUME)
DTXCID0031053
RHODIUM METAL: ELEMENTAL RHODIUM
231-125-0
RHODIUM(II) ION
MFCD00011201
45Rh
Rhodium 5% on Carbon (wetted with ca. 55% Water)
Rhodium 5% on Carbon, 50%-70% Water
Rhodium powder
CHEBI:33359
HSDB 7121
Rhodium fume
Rhodium on carbon
Rhodium (5% on Alumina)
Rhodium (Activated Carbon)
Rhodium, elemental
R024050000
MFCD03458392
Rhodium, metal
Rhodium on alumina
Rhodium-103
Rh/Al2O3
UNII-DMK383DSAC
Rhodium Standard: Rh @ 1000 microg/mL in 20% HCl
hydridorhodium
rhodium/alumina
rhodium/carbon
Rhodium hydride
Rhodium Nanofoil
Rhodium Nanorods
Rh on alumina
Rhodium, Powder
Rh on carbon
rhodium-on-carbon
rhodium-on-alumina
rhodium (I)
rhodium(2+)
Rhodium Metal Powder
Rh/C
Rhodium 5% on alumina
Rhodium, 5% on carbon
Rhodium, 5% on alumina
Epitope ID:131798
Rhodium powder, -60 mesh
Rhodium powder, -325 mesh
Rhodium, 5% on carbon, dry
Rhodium (5per cent on Alumina)
OBDSITLACDGNMC-UHFFFAOYSA-N
RHODIUM ON ALUMINA, 5% RH
Lead Oxide (PbO) Sputtering Targets
AKOS015900768
AT32573
FR15294
FR60995
Rhodium wire, 0.5mm (0.02in) dia
Rhodium wire, 1.0mm (0.04in) dia
Rhodium, 1% on alumina powder, reduced
Rhodium, 5% on alumina powder, reduced
Rhodium wire, 0.25mm (0.01in) dia
BP-13287
SY003717
NS00082605
Q1087
R0075
Rhodium - Rh @ 10 microg/mL in 2% HCl
Rhodium, sponge, 99.9% trace metals basis
Rhodium, powder, 99.95% trace metals basis
Rhodium - Rh @ 1000 microg/mL in 20% HCl
A838113
Rhodium Standard: Rh @ 10 microg/mL in 2% HCl
Rhodium on carbon extent of labeling: 5 wt. % loading
Rhodium on carbon, extent of labeling: 5 wt. % loading
Rhodium Internal Standard: Rh @ 10 microg/mL in 2% HCl
Rhodium, wire, diam. 1.0 mm, 99.9% trace metals basis
Rhodium, foil, 25x25mm, thickness 0.1mm, as rolled, 99.9%
Rhodium, foil, thickness 0.025 mm, 99.9% trace metals basis
Rhodium, wire reel, 0.05m, diameter 0.25mm, hard, 99.9%
Rhodium, wire reel, 0.1m, diameter 0.25mm, hard, 99.9%
Rhodium, wire reel, 0.1m, diameter 0.5mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Rhodium, wire reel, 0.1m, diameter 1.0mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Rhodium, wire reel, 0.2m, diameter 0.25mm, hard, 99.9%
Rhodium, wire reel, 0.2m, diameter 0.5mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Rhodium, wire reel, 0.5m, diameter 0.25mm, hard, 99.9%
Rhodium ICP-MS Standard, ready-to-use, 10 mg/kg Rh in nitric acid
Rhodium, foil, 12mm disks, thickness 0.5mm, as rolled, 99.9%
Rhodium, foil, 25x25mm, thickness 0.125mm, as rolled, 99.9%
Rhodium, foil, 25x25mm, thickness 0.15mm, as rolled, 99.9%
Rhodium, wire reel, 0.05m, diameter 0.12mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Rhodium, wire reel, 0.05m, diameter 0.5mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Rhodium, wire reel, 0.05m, diameter 1.0mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Rhodium, wire reel, 0.1m, diameter 0.12mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Rhodium, wire reel, 0.2m, diameter 0.12mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Rhodium, wire reel, 0.5m, diameter 0.12mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Rhodium, wire, 1.0 mm diameter, length 0.025 m, purity 99.9%
Rhodium, foil, thickness 0.025 mm, size 10 x 10 mm, purity 99.9%
Rhodium, foil, thickness 0.025 mm, size 25 x 25 mm, purity 99.9%
Rhodium on alumina, extent of labeling: 0.5 wt. % loading, pellets, 3.2 mm
Rhodium on alumina, extent of labeling: 5 wt. % loading, Degussa type G214 RA/D
Rhodium on alumina, extent of labeling: 5 wt. % loading, matrix alumina support, powder
Rhodium on carbon extent of labeling: 5 wt. % loading 50% wetted with water
Rhodium, foil, light tested, 15x15mm, thickness 0.05mm, as rolled, 99.9%
Rhodium, foil, light tested, 25x25mm, thickness 0.05mm, as rolled, 99.9%
Rhodium, foil, light tested, 25x25mm, thickness 0.05mm, as rolled, x-ray quality, 99.9%
Rhodium, foil, light tested, 25x25mm, thickness 0.075mm, as rolled, 99.9%
Rhodium, foil, not light tested, 10x10mm, thickness 0.012mm, as rolled, 99.9%
Rhodium, foil, not light tested, 25x25mm, thickness 0.006mm, as rolled, 99.9%
Rhodium, foil, not light tested, 25x25mm, thickness 0.012mm, as rolled, 99.9%
Rhodium, foil, not light tested, 50x50mm, thickness 0.006mm, as rolled, 99.9%
Rhodium on carbon, extent of labeling: 5 wt. % dry loading, matrix carbon, wet support, Degussa type G106B/W, reduced
Rhodium single crystal disc, 10mm (0.4in) dia., 1-2mm (0.04-0.08in) thick, (111) orientation, +/-0.5 degrees
Rhodium, microfoil, disks, 10mm, thinness 0.1mum, specific density 124mug/cm2, permanent mylar 3.5mum support, 99.9%
Rhodium, microfoil, disks, 10mm, thinness 0.25mum, specific density 310mug/cm2, permanent mylar 3.5mum support, 99.99%
Rhodium, microfoil, disks, 10mm, thinness 0.50mum, specific density 620mug/cm2, permanent mylar 3.5mum support, 99.99%
Rhodium, microfoil, disks, 25mm, thinness 0.1mum, specific density 124mug/cm2, permanent mylar 3.5mum support, 99.9%