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Osmium tetroxide

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Identification
Molecular formula
OsO4
CAS number
20816-12-0
IUPAC name
tetraoxoosmium
State
State
At room temperature, osmium tetroxide is typically a solid, but it can easily sublimate to form a yellowish vapor.
Melting point (Celsius)
40.25
Melting point (Kelvin)
313.40
Boiling point (Celsius)
130.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
403.15
General information
Molecular weight
254.23g/mol
Molar mass
254.2330g/mol
Density
4.8200g/cm3
Appearence

Osmium tetroxide is a crystalline solid that is typically colorless or pale yellow. However, it is volatile at room temperature and is often observed as a yellowish liquid or vapor.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Tetraoxoosmium

Tetraoxoosmium, also known as osmium(VI) oxide, is notable for its solubility properties, which can be intriguing to explore. Here are some key points regarding its solubility:

  • Solvent Interaction: Tetraoxoosmium exhibits limited solubility in water, with its behavior heavily influenced by the pH of the solution.
  • Acidic Conditions: In acidic environments, it has a higher solubility compared to neutral or basic conditions, promoting its dissolution.
  • Solvent Variability: While water is a common solvent, tetraoxoosmium may show varying solubility in different organic solvents, depending on the solvent's chemical nature.

It is essential to recognize that tetraoxoosmium can act as a strong oxidizing agent, which may affect its solubility characteristics in some applications.

In conclusion, the solubility of tetraoxoosmium is not trivial and is influenced by factors such as pH and the type of solvent. Understanding these relationships is crucial for its practical applications in chemical processes.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Tetraoxoosmium

Tetraoxoosmium is a fascinating compound that showcases the remarkable chemistry of osmium, one of the densest elements on Earth. Here are some intriguing aspects of this compound:

  • Oxidation State: Tetraoxoosmium exhibits osmium in its highest oxidation state, +8, which is crucial for understanding the reactivity and behavior of osmium compounds.
  • Applications in Catalysis: This compound plays a significant role in catalysis, particularly in oxidation reactions, making it invaluable in various chemical processes.
  • Color Change: Interestingly, tetraoxoosmium can change color depending on the oxidation state of osmium and the environmental conditions, a property that piques the curiosity of chemists.
  • Stable Anhydride: It is recognized as a stable anhydride, which allows for various synthetic applications, particularly in organometallic chemistry.
  • Research Interest: The compound has attracted considerable attention from researchers due to its unique properties and potential in material science and nanotechnology.

The compound is often referenced in the context of osmium's role in the periodic table, where it stands as a reminder of the intricate balance between stability and reactivity that elements exhibit. As one scientist noted, “The study of tetraoxoosmium not only broadens our understanding of osmium but also highlights the elegance of transition metal chemistries.”

In summary, tetraoxoosmium is much more than just a compound; it is a gateway to exploring the capabilities of osmium, leading to new discoveries in both theoretical and applied chemistry.

Synonyms
OSMIUM TETROXIDE
20816-12-0
Osmium tetraoxide
Osmic acid
tetraoxoosmium
Perosmic oxide
Osmic acid anhydride
Osmium(VIII) oxide
Osmium oxide (OsO4), (T-4)-
Perosmic acid anhydride
RCRA waste number P087
P40W033BGM
DTXSID5042245
CHEBI:88215
Acid, Osmic
Tetroxide, Osmium
OSMIUM OXIDE (OSO4)
DTXCID3022245
244-058-7
RefChem:168681
Osmium(VIII)-oxide
OsO4
Osmium oxide, (T-4)-
MFCD00011150
Osmium(VIII)oxide
Osmium Tetroxide (4% in H2O)
Osmiumtetroxide
RCRA waste no. P087
OSMIUM (VIII) OXIDE
osmiumtetroxid
osmiumtetraoxide
HSDB 719
Osmium oxide (OsO4) (T-4)-
Osmium tetra oxide
osmium(IV) oxide
EINECS 244-058-7
Osmium oxide (OsO4), (beta-4)-
UN2471
osmium(VIII)tetraoxide
Osmium(VIII)-tetroxide
osmium (VIII) tetraoxide
SCHEMBL203
UNII-P40W033BGM
Osmium oxide OsO4 (T-4)
OSMIUM TETROXIDE [MI]
OSMIUM TETROXIDE [HSDB]
Osmium tetroxide, Sealed ampule.
Osmium tetroxide (4% aq. Solution)
Osmium tetroxide, puriss., 99.9%
SBB080660
(T-4)-OSMIUM OXIDE (OSO4)
AKOS005267110
Osmium(VIII) oxide (99.95%-Os)
OSMIUM TETROXIDE (4% IN WATER)
Osmium tetroxide [UN2471] [Poison]
Osmium tetroxide, ACS reagent, >=98.0%
Osmium tetroxide, ReagentPlus(R), 99.8%
D91859
Q422021
Os EnCat(R) 40, extent of labeling: 0.3 mmol/g Os loading