Palladium (Pd)

General Information

• Symbol: Pd
• Atomic Number: 46
• Atomic Weight: 106.42 u
• Element Category: Transition metal
• Group: 10
• Period: 5
• Block: d-block

Physical Properties

• Appearance: Silvery-white metallic
• Density: 12.02 g/cm³
• Melting Point: 1554.9 °C (2830.8 °F)
• Boiling Point: 2963 °C (5365 °F)
• Phase at STP: Solid
• Electron Configuration: [Kr] 4d¹⁰
• Oxidation States: +2 (most common), +3, +4

Chemical Properties

• Reactivity: Does not tarnish in air; highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation.
• Compounds: Forms compounds such as palladium chloride (PdCl₂), palladium acetate (Pd(O₂CCH₃)₂), and palladium nitrate (Pd(NO₃)₂).

Uses and Applications

• Catalysts: Extensively used in catalytic converters to reduce harmful emissions in vehicles, and in chemical reactions such as hydrogenation and dehydrogenation.
• Electronics: Used in multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) and in various electronic components for its excellent conductivity and stability.
• Jewelry: Used in white gold alloys and in the production of fine jewelry due to its lustrous appearance and durability.
• Dentistry: Employed in dental alloys for crowns and bridges because of its biocompatibility.
• Hydrogen Storage: Used in hydrogen storage and purification applications due to its ability to absorb hydrogen gas.

Occurrence and Extraction

• Natural Occurrence: Found in ores with other platinum group metals, primarily in nickel and copper deposits.
• Extraction: Extracted as a byproduct of nickel and copper mining through complex refining processes including flotation, smelting, and chemical separation.

Isotopes

• Stable Isotopes: Palladium-102, Palladium-104, Palladium-105, Palladium-106, Palladium-108, Palladium-110
• Radioactive Isotopes: Palladium-103 (used in brachytherapy for cancer treatment)

Safety and Handling

• Hazards: Generally considered to be of low toxicity, but palladium compounds can be harmful if ingested or inhaled.
• Precautions: Handle with care using appropriate protective equipment, especially in powder form to avoid inhalation.

History

• Discovery: Discovered by William Hyde Wollaston in 1803.
• Name Origin: Named after the asteroid Pallas, which was itself named after the Greek goddess Pallas Athena.

Additional Facts

• Crystal Structure: Face-centered cubic (fcc)
• Magnetic Properties: Paramagnetic
• Thermal Conductivity: Moderate, about 71.8 W/m·K
• Electrical Resistivity: About 105.4 nΩ·m at room temperature

Summary

Palladium is a transition metal known for its excellent catalytic properties, resistance to corrosion, and lustrous appearance. It is widely used in catalytic converters, electronics, jewelry, dentistry, and hydrogen storage applications. Found primarily in nickel and copper deposits, palladium is extracted through complex refining processes. Its stability and unique properties make it valuable across multiple industries.

1. What is the atomic number of Palladium?

   • 46

2. What is the symbol for Palladium?

   • Pd

3. What is the atomic weight of Palladium?

   • 106.42 u

4. In which group of the periodic table is Palladium found?

   • Group 10

5. What period is Palladium in?

   • Period 5

6. What block does Palladium belong to?

   • d-block

7. What is the melting point of Palladium?

   • 1554.9 °C (2830.8 °F)

8. What is the boiling point of Palladium?

   • 2963 °C (5365 °F)

9. What is the density of Palladium?

   • 12.02 g/cm³

10. What is the electron configuration of Palladium?

    • [Kr] 4d¹⁰

11. What are the common oxidation states of Palladium?

    • +2, +3, +4

12. What is the appearance of Palladium?

    • Silvery-white metallic

13. Is Palladium reactive with air?

    • No, it does not tarnish in air

14. Name a compound of Palladium.

    • Palladium chloride (PdCl₂)

15. What is a common use of Palladium in the automotive industry?

    • As a catalyst in catalytic converters

16. How is Palladium used in electronics?

    • In multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) and other components

17. What role does Palladium play in jewelry?

    • Used in white gold alloys and fine jewelry

18. How is Palladium used in dentistry?

    • In dental alloys for crowns and bridges

19. What is a major application of Palladium in hydrogen storage?

    • Absorbing and purifying hydrogen gas

20. Name a mineral that contains Palladium.

    • Nickel and copper deposits often contain palladium

21. How is Palladium extracted from ores?

    • Through refining processes including flotation, smelting, and chemical separation

22. What is the most stable isotope of Palladium?

    • Palladium-106

23. Name a radioactive isotope of Palladium used in medicine.

    • Palladium-103

24. What safety hazard is associated with Palladium compounds?

    • They can be harmful if ingested or inhaled

25. Who discovered Palladium?

    • William Hyde Wollaston

26. Where does the name Palladium come from?

    • Named after the asteroid Pallas

27. What is the crystal structure of Palladium?

    • Face-centered cubic (fcc)

28. Is Palladium paramagnetic or diamagnetic?

    • Paramagnetic

29. What is the thermal conductivity of Palladium?

    • About 71.8 W/m·K

30. What is the electrical resistivity of Palladium at room temperature?

    • About 105.4 nΩ·m

31. What is the primary oxidation state of Palladium?

    • +2

32. Is Palladium found as a free element in nature?

    • No, it is found in ores with other metals

33. What is the common name of palladium nitrate?

    • Palladium(II) nitrate

34. What is a major application of palladium acetate?

    • Used as a catalyst in organic synthesis

35. How does Palladium improve hydrogen storage?

    • By absorbing hydrogen gas

36. What is the boiling point of Palladium in Kelvin?

    • 3236 K

37. What group does Palladium belong to in the periodic table?

    • Transition metals

38. What is the natural abundance of Palladium-106?

    • About 27.33%

39. Can Palladium be used in high-temperature applications?

    • Yes, due to its high melting point

40. What is the key property that makes Palladium valuable in catalysis?

    • Its excellent resistance to corrosion and catalytic properties.