Platinum

Notable characteristics

The metal is a beautiful silvery-white when pure, and firm. The metal is corrosion-resistant. The catalytic properties of the six platinum family metals are outstanding (a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen explodes in the presence of platinum). For this catalytic property platinum is used in catalytic converters, incorporated in automobile exhaust systems.

Related Topics:
Metal - Corrosion - Catalytic - Platinum family - Hydrogen - Oxygen - Catalytic converter - Automobile

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Platinum's wear-and tarnish-resistance characteristics are well-suited for making fine jewelry. Platinum is more precious than gold. The price of platinum changes along with its availability, but it normally costs about twice as much as gold. In the 18th century, platinum's rarity made King Louis XV of France declare it the only metal fit for a king.

Related Topics:
Jewelry - Gold - 18th century - Louis XV of France

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Other distinctive properties include resistance to chemical attack, excellent high-temperature characteristics, and stable electrical properties. All these properties have been exploited for industrial applications. Platinum does not oxidize in air at any temperature but can be corroded by cyanides, halogens, sulfur, and caustic alkalis. This metal is insoluble in hydrochloric and nitric acid but does dissolve in the mixture known as aqua regia (forming chloroplatinic acid). Common oxidation states of platinum include +2, +3, and +4.

Related Topics:
Oxidize - Cyanide - Halogen - Sulfur - Alkali - Hydrochloric - Nitric acid - Aqua regia - Chloroplatinic acid - Oxidation state

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