rhodium [Rh]

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Introduction

From the Greek rhodon meaning rose. Discovered in 1803 by English chemist William H Wollaston.

Occurrence

Characteristics

  • silvery metal
  • white, hard, ductile
    • plated rhodium produced by electroplating is exceptionally hard
  • resistant to attack by acids
  • rhodium compounds stain the skin
  • can be highly toxic
  • carcinogenic
  • forms cations Rh+, Rh+2, Rh+3

Uses

More general terms

Additional terms

References

  1. Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, Miriam- Webster Inc. Springfield, MA 1990
  2. Chemical & Engineering News, Sept 8, 2003