corrosion resistance of titanium is improved a hundredfold by addition of 0.1% ruthenium. It is a
versatile catalyst. Hydrogen sulfide can be split catalytically by light using an aqueous suspension of CdS
particles loaded with ruthenium dioxide. It is thought this may have application to removal of H2S from
oil refining and other industrial processes. Compounds in at least eight oxidation states have been found,
but of these, the +2, +3, and +4 states are the most common. Ruthenium tetroxide, like osmium tetroxide,
is highly toxic. In addition, it may explode. Ruthenium compounds show a marked resemblance to those
of cadmium.
Cost
The metal is priced at about $30/g.
Sources: CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics and the American Chemical Society.
Last Updated: 12/19/97, CST Information Services Team
Ruthenium