Platinum (Pt)
Transition metal · d-block · period 6 · group 10
Dense, malleable, silvery-white, untarnishing precious metal.
Platinum (symbol Pt) is chemical element number 78, a transition metal in group 10, period 6 of the periodic table. Its standard atomic weight is 195.08 and its electron configuration is [Xe] 4f14 5d9 6s1. At room temperature it is a solid. Its name means 'little silver' in Spanish — early miners saw it as a nuisance.
Properties
| Atomic number | 78 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 195.08 |
| Category | Transition metal |
| Block | d-block |
| Group · Period | 10 · 6 |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f14 5d9 6s1 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 32, 17, 1 |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 2041.4 K |
| Boiling point | 4098 K |
| Density | 21.45 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 2.28 |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | primordial |
| Discovered | 1735 · Antonio de Ulloa |
Key facts about Platinum
- Its name means 'little silver' in Spanish — early miners saw it as a nuisance.
- Does not tarnish or corrode, which is why it is used for fine jewellery and lab crucibles.
- A superb catalyst — it sits at the heart of the catalytic converter and of many fuel cells.
- Some platinum drugs, such as cisplatin, are front-line cancer chemotherapy.
What Platinum is used for
Catalytic converters, jewellery, laboratory equipment, cancer drugs, fuel cells, hard-disk coatings, electrodes.
Where it sits in the periodic table
Platinum is in group 10, period 6, of the d-block. Its electron configuration [Xe] 4f14 5d9 6s1 means its outermost shell holds 1 electron, which is what places it here and explains much of its chemistry. See Platinum on the interactive table →
Platinum — frequently asked questions
What is Platinum used for?
Catalytic converters, jewellery, laboratory equipment, cancer drugs, fuel cells, hard-disk coatings, electrodes.
Is Platinum radioactive?
No. Platinum has at least one stable isotope and is not radioactive.
What is the electron configuration of Platinum?
Platinum has the electron configuration [Xe] 4f14 5d9 6s1, which is 2, 8, 18, 32, 17, 1 electrons per shell.
What group and period is Platinum in?
Platinum is in group 10, period 6, in the d-block. Its outer shell holds 1 electron.
Who discovered Platinum?
Platinum was discovered in 1735 by Antonio de Ulloa.