Rhodium
RO-di-em
Rhodium (Rh) is a brittle silver-white metal that has the atomic number 45 in the periodic table. It is a Transition metal and located in Group 9 of the periodic table. It has the symbol Rh.
Rhodium was discovered in London in 1803 by William Wollaston after examining platinum ores that were bought back from Peru. He dissolved these ores in hydrochloric acid, nitric acids and ammonium chloride. It produced a deep red powder which when treated with Zinc precipitated pure Rhodium. Rhodium is highly reflective and resistant to corrosion, its major use is as a catalyst especially in the catalytic convertors of cars. Rhodium is found abundantly in ores in small quantities. It is located in Group 9 as a Transition metal. It has a melting point of 1963°c and a boiling point of 3695°c.
FAQ's
William Wollaston
1803
Uses
Used as a coating to prevent wear on high quality science equipment and with platinum to make thermocouples.
Sources
Obtained as a by-product of nickel production.
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
Rh
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