Rhenium
REE-ni-em
Rhenium (Re) is a silvery-white coloured metal that has the atomic number 75 in the periodic table. It is a Transition metal in Group 7. It has the symbol Re.
Rhenium was discovered in 1925 by Walter and Ida Noddack with the help of Otto Berg. It was named after the river Rhine in Germany. It was one of the last elements to be discovered that had a stable isotope at such a large size. Most of the ores mined for Rhenium come from Chile and it is a very rare metal. One Kilo of Rhenium can cost upwards of 4500 USD. Its most common use is in producing jet engines due to its high melting and boiling point. It is a solid metal at room temperature with a melting point of 3185°c and a boiling point of 5597°c.
FAQ's
Walter Noddack, Ida Tacke, Otto Berg
1925
Uses
Mixed with tungsten or platinum to make filaments for mass spectrographs. Its main value is as a trace alloying agent for hardening metal components that are subjected to continuous frictional forces.
Sources
Found in small amounts in gadolinite and molybdenite. Has a very high melting point.
About the author
Nathan M
Nathan has a degree in BSc Biomedical Chemistry at Warwick University and a degree in PGCE Science at Wolverhampton University, UK. Nathan's subject matter ranges from general chemistry and organic chemistry. Nathan also created the curriculum on Breaking Atom in the course page.
Citation
Re
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