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Understanding the element
Ruthenium (Ru) is chemical element 44. It belongs to the transition metals, and its reference state at room temperature is a solid. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.
Where do we encounter it?
In practice, it turns up most often in catalysts, electronics and alloys.
catalystselectronicsalloys
Standard atomic weight101.07(2)
What its position in the table tells us
Ruthenium sits in period 5, group 8 and the D block. That location is useful because neighbouring elements often share trends in valence electrons, oxidation states and bonding behaviour.
Worth remembering
Ruthenium has a characteristic place in the periodic table that helps explain both its chemistry and its practical uses
Ruthenium has a characteristic place in the periodic table that helps explain both its chemistry and its practical uses