superconductive at 10.6 K. The 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