Palladium (Pd)
Transition metal · d-block · period 5 · group 10
Soft, ductile, silvery-white platinum-group metal.
Palladium (symbol Pd) is chemical element number 46, a transition metal in group 10, period 5 of the periodic table. Its standard atomic weight is 106.42 and its electron configuration is [Kr] 4d10. At room temperature it is a solid. Named after the asteroid Pallas, discovered the year before.
Properties
| Atomic number | 46 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 106.42 |
| Category | Transition metal |
| Block | d-block |
| Group · Period | 10 · 5 |
| Electron configuration | [Kr] 4d10 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 18 |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 1828.05 K |
| Boiling point | 3236 K |
| Density | 12.023 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 2.2 |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | primordial |
| Discovered | 1802 · William Hyde Wollaston |
Key facts about Palladium
- Named after the asteroid Pallas, discovered the year before.
- Can soak up to 900 times its own volume of hydrogen gas like a sponge.
- Cleans petrol-engine exhaust in catalytic converters.
- The only element in period 5 with a completely filled 4d shell and empty 5s.
What Palladium is used for
Catalytic converters, electronics, hydrogen purification and storage, dentistry, jewellery.
Where it sits in the periodic table
Palladium is in group 10, period 5, of the d-block. Its electron configuration [Kr] 4d10 means its outermost shell holds 18 electrons, which is what places it here and explains much of its chemistry. See Palladium on the interactive table →
Palladium — frequently asked questions
What is Palladium used for?
Catalytic converters, electronics, hydrogen purification and storage, dentistry, jewellery.
Is Palladium radioactive?
No. Palladium has at least one stable isotope and is not radioactive.
What is the electron configuration of Palladium?
Palladium has the electron configuration [Kr] 4d10, which is 2, 8, 18, 18 electrons per shell.
What group and period is Palladium in?
Palladium is in group 10, period 5, in the d-block. Its outer shell holds 18 electrons.
Who discovered Palladium?
Palladium was discovered in 1802 by William Hyde Wollaston.