What is the Electronic Configuration of Platinum?
Platinum is essential in chemistry and helps students understand various practical and theoretical applications related to this topic.
What is Platinum in Chemistry?
A platinum element refers to a rare, silvery-white, noble metal with the chemical symbol Pt and atomic number 78. This concept appears in chapters related to transition metals, periodic table trends, and coordination compounds, making it a foundational part of your chemistry syllabus.
Molecular Formula and Composition
The molecular formula of platinum is Pt. It consists of only platinum atoms and is categorized under transition metal elements. Platinum belongs to Group 10 of the periodic table and is part of the platinum group metals, which include palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, osmium, and iridium.
Preparation and Synthesis Methods
Industrial extraction of platinum usually starts with ores like sperrylite (PtAs2) and cooperite (PtS). The process involves crushing and grinding the ore, followed by froth flotation to concentrate platinum minerals.
The concentrate is then treated with aqua regia, which dissolves platinum to form chloroplatinic acid. After several purification steps, heating decomposes the ammonium salt to obtain pure, metallic platinum.
In laboratories, platinum is rarely synthesized due to its natural rarity and complex extraction but is purified from various minerals using similar chemical methods.
Physical Properties of Platinum
Platinum is a dense, malleable, ductile metal with a brilliant silver-white color. It does not tarnish in air and is highly resistant to corrosion, even at high temperatures.
Its melting point is about 1768°C and boiling point is 3825°C. Platinum is also an excellent conductor of electricity and has a very high density (21.45 g/cm3). It is softer than iron but harder than gold, making it strong for industrial and jewelry use.
Chemical Properties and Reactions
Platinum is known for its remarkable chemical inertness. It does not react with oxygen or water, and ordinary acids have little effect on it. However, platinum dissolves in aqua regia (a mixture of hydrochloric and nitric acids), forming chloroplatinic acid.
It exhibits common oxidation states of +2 and +4 and participates in redox and complex formation reactions, showing its strong tendency to form coordination compounds.
Frequent Related Errors
- Confusing platinum with similar-looking metals like silver or white gold.
- Incorrectly writing its electronic configuration as [Xe] 4f14 5d8 6s2 instead of [Xe] 4f14 5d9 6s1.
- Thinking platinum reacts with most acids, when only aqua regia truly dissolves it.
- Assuming platinum is as common as gold when it’s actually much rarer.
Uses of Platinum in Real Life
Platinum is widely used in both industry and everyday life. Its main applications include:
- Catalytic converters in car exhaust systems (reducing pollution).
- High-end jewelry and watches for its hypoallergenic nature and permanence.
- Production of nitric acid, fertilizers, and silicones as a chemical catalyst.
- Medical devices, dental fillings, and pacemakers due to its inertness.
- In electronics, used for hard disk coatings and fuel cell technology.
You can learn more about metals used in daily life in this Vedantu article on the uses of metals.
Relation with Other Chemistry Concepts
Platinum is closely related to topics such as d-block elements and transition elements, helping students understand why these metals show variable oxidation states and form colored compounds.
Its chemical stability also links to the topic of noble metals and chemical inertness. Understanding its extraction process also supports the study of extraction of metals.
Step-by-Step Reaction Example
1. Start with platinum metal exposure to aqua regia.2. Aqua regia dissolves platinum, forming hexachloroplatinic acid (H2PtCl6).
3. The chemical equation is:
4. Heating with ammonium chloride converts the acid to ammonium hexachloroplatinate.
5. Strong heating decomposes it to pure platinum metal.
Lab or Experimental Tips
Remember platinum’s electron configuration as [Xe] 4f14 5d9 6s1—it’s a notable exception to the usual order. Vedantu educators emphasize learning such unique patterns to tackle tricky periodic table questions easily.
Try This Yourself
- Write the condensed electron configuration of platinum.
- Name two ores from which platinum is extracted.
- Explain why platinum is used in medical implants.
Final Wrap-Up
We explored platinum—its structure, properties, reactions, and real-life importance. Its unique characteristics make it vital for industry and science. For more in-depth explanations and stepwise topic guides, check out live classes and notes available on Vedantu.
FAQs on Platinum – Properties, Configuration, Uses & Facts
1. What is platinum and where is it found on the periodic table?
Platinum is a dense, precious transition metal with the symbol Pt and atomic number 78. It is located in period 6, group 10 of the periodic table and belongs to the d-block elements.
2. What is the electronic configuration of platinum?
The electronic configuration of platinum (Pt) is [Xe] 4f14 5d9 6s1. This shows an anomalous filling due to enhanced stability from partially filled subshells, a common feature among transition metals.
3. What are the physical properties of platinum?
Platinum is known for its distinct silver-white color and notable physical traits:
- Melting point: 1768°C
- Density: 21.45 g/cm³
- High resistance to corrosion and tarnishing
- Malleable and ductile in nature
4. How is platinum extracted and refined?
Platinum is mainly extracted from ores that also contain other platinum group metals through crushing, froth flotation, and smelting processes, followed by chemical separation and refining to obtain pure metal.
5. What are the main uses of platinum?
Platinum is valued for its wide range of applications, including:
- Catalytic converters in vehicles for pollution control
- Jewelry and ornaments
- Laboratory and medical equipment
- Catalyst for chemical industry reactions
- Electronics and electrical contacts
6. Is platinum more valuable than gold?
Platinum is generally rarer than gold and often commands a higher price per gram. However, market values for both metals can change based on supply, demand, and industrial uses.
7. Why does platinum have an anomalous electronic configuration?
Platinum exhibits an anomalous electronic configuration due to the stability achieved by partially filled 5d and 6s orbitals. This minimizes overall energy according to quantum mechanical principles.
8. What are platinum group metals (PGMs)?
Platinum group metals (PGMs) include platinum, palladium, rhodium, osmium, iridium, and ruthenium. These metals share similar chemical properties and common industrial applications.
9. Why is platinum used as a catalyst?
Platinum's ability to adsorb molecules on its surface and facilitate chemical reactions without being consumed makes it an excellent catalyst for industrial processes and automobile exhaust systems.
10. Is platinum safe for human use or can it be toxic?
Pure metallic platinum is biologically inert and widely used in medical implants and dental work. However, some platinum compounds may be toxic and require careful handling in laboratory and industrial settings.
11. Does platinum rust or tarnish over time?
Platinum is highly resistant to rust, tarnishing, and corrosion due to its noble metal characteristics, making it ideal for jewelry and scientific applications that require durability.
12. How does platinum compare to gold in terms of properties?
Platinum and gold are both valuable, noble metals, but platinum is denser, has a higher melting point, and is more resistant to chemical attack. Gold is softer, more malleable, and typically exhibits a yellow color, while platinum appears silver-white.
