Platinum metals

Definition

Platinum metals, also known as the platinum group metals (PGMs), are a group of six transition metals that include platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and osmium. These metals are known for their excellent catalytic properties and resistance to wear and tarnish.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Platinum metals are found in the Earth's crust primarily in nickel and copper ores but can also be found in alluvial deposits.
2. The extraction of platinum metals involves complex processes including flotation, smelting, and refining.
3. Platinum is used extensively in catalytic converters for automobiles due to its ability to convert toxic gases into less harmful substances.
4. Rhodium is the rarest and most expensive of the platinum metals due to its high reflectivity and corrosion resistance.
5. These metals exhibit unique chemical properties such as high melting points, strong resistance to oxidation, and exceptional stability.

Review Questions

Related terms

Catalytic Converter:

A device incorporated in the exhaust system of vehicles that uses catalysts like platinum to reduce harmful emissions.

Oxidation State:

A measure of the degree of oxidation of an atom in a substance; important when studying the chemistry of transition elements including platinum metals.

Electroplating:

A process that uses electrical current to reduce dissolved metal cations so that they form a coherent metal coating on an electrode; often used with platinum-group metals for corrosion-resistant coatings.