Pd
Palladium
Atomic number: 46Mass: 106.42 uCategory: Transition Metal
About Palladium
Palladium is a rare and lustrous silvery-white metal discovered in 1803. It is a member of the platinum group. Notably, it can absorb up to 900 times its own volume of hydrogen at room temperature.
Properties
Period
5
Group
10
Block
D
Category
Transition Metal
Electronegativity
2.20 (Pauling)
Ionization Energy
804.4 kJ/mol
Melting Point
1828 K (1555°C)
Boiling Point
3236 K (2963°C)
Density
12.023 g/cm³
Oxidation States
+2, +4
Electron Configuration
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁶ 4d¹⁰
[Kr] 4d¹⁰
Shell 1:2e⁻
Shell 2:8e⁻
Shell 3:18e⁻
Shell 4:18e⁻
Real-World Uses
Catalytic converters
Electronics
Dentistry
Jewellery
Hydrogen storage
Fun Fact
Palladium can absorb 900 times its own volume in hydrogen — scientists once hoped this property could enable cold fusion!