rubidium [Rb]

Introduction

From the Latin rubidius meaning deepest red (the color of its spectral lines {color of the wine Merlot}) Discovered in 1861 by German chemists Robert & Gustoff Kirchoff. They were studying the mineral lepidolite.

Occurrence

• obtained as a by-product of refining lithium

Characteristics

• soft silvery metallic element
• may be liquid at or above 40 degrees C
• one of the most alkaline elements
• decomposes water with violence*
• bursts into flame spontaneously in air
• colors flames yellowish-violet
• toxic when ingested

Uses

• cathode ray tubes
• vacuum systems

2 Rb  +  2 H2O  ->  2 Rb+  +  2 OH-  +  H2

               Rb
2 H2  +   O2    ->   2 H2O  +  heat

More general terms

• alkali metal

More specific terms

• Rubidium-82

Additional terms

• periodic table
• retinoblastoma-associated protein (pRb, Rb, pp110, p105-Rb, p110Rb, RB1)

Database

• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=23949