Palladium (Pd)
Palladium (Pd) is element 46, a transition metal. Atomic mass 106.42, configuration [Kr] 4d¹⁰. Properties, isotopes, oxidation states, uses and history, with an interactive 3D atom model.
Key facts
| Atomic number | 46 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Pd |
| Standard atomic weight | 106.42(1) |
| Category | Transition Metal |
| Group | 10 |
| Period | 5 |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Kr] 4d¹⁰ |
| Valence electrons | 10 (Variable) |
| Common oxidation states | 0, +2, +4 |
| Common ions | No common ions |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 2.2 |
| First ionization energy | 804 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | 54.23 kJ/mol |
| Atomic radius | 169 pm |
| Density | 12 g/cm³ |
| Melting point | 1555°C |
| Boiling point | 2963°C |
| Specific heat | 0.244 J/(g·°C) |
Natural isotopes
- Pd-102: Stable
- Pd-104: Stable
- Pd-105: Stable
- Pd-106: Stable
- Pd-108: Stable
- Pd-110: Stable
Common uses
- Catalytic converters
- Dentistry
- Fuel cells
- Hydrogen purification
Where it matters
- Hydrogen Economy (Can absorb 900x volume of H₂)
- Catalytic converters
Hazards
- Low toxicity
- but can cause allergic reactions
History
| Discovered | 1803 |
|---|---|
| Discovered by | William Hyde Wollaston |
| Name | From asteroid Pallas |