Ruthenium: Russian Metal Named After Russia

There is an element with atomic number 44 in the periodic table of D. I. Mendeleev, which has a sonorous name — ruthenium. It is not just a metal of the platinum group, but the only chemical element named after Russia (Ruthenia — the Latin name for Russia). It was discovered in 1844 by Professor Karl Karlovich Claus of Kazan University and has since firmly entered the history of science and technology. Today, ruthenium is one of the most refractory, hardest, and corrosion-resistant materials, indispensable in electronics, catalysis, and even in the aerospace industry.

Why was the element named "ruthenium"?

The name of the element comes from the Latin word Ruthenia, meaning "Russia" or "Rus". Karl Claus, the discoverer of ruthenium, emphasized that he gave the name in honor of his homeland. This was a gesture of a patriot of German descent who connected his life with Russia and wanted to immortalize its name in the periodic table.

Why does it have such an atomic number?

The atomic number of the element in Mendeleev's table (44) is determined by the number of protons in the nucleus of its atom. This number unambiguously identifies ruthenium as a chemical element. In the periodic table, it is located in the VIIIB group, in the 5th period, and belongs to the so-called ruthenium-rhodium-palladium triad — a group of metals similar in chemical properties. Mendeleev predicted the existence of this element, leaving an empty cell for it, but its physical discovery occurred before the great chemist formulated his law.

History of Discovery: An Apothecary from Kazan

Karl Karlovich Claus was born in Dorpat (now Tartu) in 1796 in the family of a painter. Orphaned at a young age, he began working in an apothecary at the age of 14 and, without gymnasium education, managed to pass the exam for a pharmacist. Later, he founded his own pharmacy in Kazan, but his true passion was always science. He participated in a botanical expedition across the Volga-Ural steppes and at the age of 40 began his career at Kazan University, where he soon headed the chemical laboratory.

In 1841, at the request of the Ministry of Finance, Claus began studying the remnants of Ural platinum ore accumulated at the Saint Petersburg Mint. His task was to find more effective methods of extracting precious platinum. In the course of meticulous and dangerous experiments (ruthenium compounds are extremely toxic), Claus discovered the presence of an unknown element.

During one of the experiments, Karl Claus, who had a habit of tasting the obtained substances, received a severe burn to the oral cavity from a ruthenium compound. Fortunately, this did not prevent him from completing his research.

In 1844, he isolated 6 grams of pure ruthenium, thoroughly studied its chemical properties, and determined its atomic mass. However, the scientific community, especially the authoritative Swedish chemist Jöns Berzelius, greeted the discovery with skepticism. Only after Berzelius himself verified Claus's results and confirmed their accuracy, ruthenium was officially recognized as a new element.

Uniqueness of Ruthenium: Characteristics and Properties

Ruthenium is a bright silver-white metal with very high hardness and brittleness. It is extremely refractory: its melting point is 2250°C, and its boiling point is about 4900°C. It is one of the most dense elements (12.45 g/cm³).

Chemical inertness. Compact ruthenium does not oxidize in the air even when heated to 930°C and does not react with strong acids and bases. This makes it a true aristocrat among metals.

Aggressive oxide. The main hallmark of ruthenium is its highest oxide RuO₄. This golden-yellow volatile substance melts at +25.5°C and boils at +27°C. It has such strong oxidizing properties that it can ignite organic substances, such as alcohol.

Catalytic activity. Ruthenium is an excellent catalyst for the hydrogenation and dehydrogenation of organic compounds.

Application in Industry and Modern Science

The unique properties of ruthenium have made it indispensable in the most high-tech industries.

Electrotechnology and instrument making. An alloy of ruthenium with platinum and palladium is used to make wear-resistant electrical contacts in measuring instruments. The addition of ruthenium significantly increases the corrosion resistance of titanium, which is in demand in chemical engineering.

Catalysts. Ruthenium is a key component of catalysts in the chemical industry. It has attracted particular attention in recent years as one of the most effective catalysts for the hydrogenation reaction — a process important for the production of "green" hydrogen and biomass processing.

Aerospace industry. The high thermal resistance and corrosion resistance of ruthenium make it in demand in the aerospace industry. For example, alloys with ruthenium are used in water purification systems on orbiting stations.

Superconductivity. Alloys of ruthenium with lanthanum, cerium, scandium, and yttrium have unique superconducting properties.

Jewelry. Ruthenium is often used for galvanic coating of jewelry made of white gold and platinum. It gives them a special luster and protects against scratches.

Prospects and Future of the Element

The future of ruthenium is directly linked to the development of green energy, space, and catalysis technologies. With the growing demand for the hydrogen economy, ruthenium remains one of the most effective catalysts for the electrolysis of water and the hydrogenation of organic substances. Scientists are also studying its application in the production of new ultrastrong materials, high-temperature superconductors, and promising alloys for extreme operating conditions.