Ruthenium (Ru)
Ruthenium: The Rare, Catalytic Metal
Ruthenium is a shiny, silvery metal and one of the rarest elements on Earth. Its name comes from Ruthenia, the Latin word for Russia, where it was first discovered. Ruthenium belongs to the platinum group metals and is valued for its durability and catalytic powers.
Why Is Ruthenium Useful?
Ruthenium’s resistance to corrosion and ability to act as a catalyst make it useful in many industries:
Electronics: Most ruthenium is used for chip resistors and electrical contacts, where its durability and low resistance are vital.
Catalysts: Ruthenium oxide is used to coat anodes in electrochemical cells for chlorine production. Ruthenium catalysts are also important in making ammonia and acetic acid.
Solar Cells: Ruthenium compounds are being researched for solar panels, where they can help convert sunlight into electricity efficiently.
Alloys: Ruthenium strengthens platinum and palladium alloys, making them more resistant to wear. These tough alloys are used in electrical contacts and even in some jewelry.
Natural Abundance & History
Ruthenium is very rare in Earth’s crust. It is sometimes found in pure form but more often occurs with other platinum-group metals in ores like pentlandite. Commercially, it is obtained as a by-product of nickel refining.
1808: Polish chemist Jedrzej Sniadecki announced a new element, vestium, in platinum ore—but later retracted the claim when no one could confirm it.
1825: German chemist Gottfried Osann reported finding three new elements in platinum from the Ural Mountains; only one was real, which he named ruthenium.
1840: Russian chemist Karl Karlovich Klaus successfully purified the new metal, confirming it as a genuine element and keeping Osann’s name.
Biological Role
Ruthenium has no biological role. However, its oxide ruthenium(IV) oxide is highly toxic and must be handled carefully.