Ruthenium

Location:  Group 8, Period 5
Atomic Weight:  101.07
Coordination Number:  4, 5, 6, 8
Chemical Form in Solution:  [RuCl₆]^2-
(coordination numbers in green are observed less frequently)

Storage & Handling:  Keep tightly sealed when not in use. Store and use at 20 ± 4°C. Do not pipet from container. Do not return portions removed for pipetting to container.

Chemical Compatibility:  Stable in HCl. Stable with most metals and inorganic anions as the [RuCl₆]^2- in dilute acidic media.

Stability:  2-100 ppb levels stable for months in 1% HNO₃ / LDPE container. 1-10,000 ppm solutions chemically stable for years in 10% HCl / LDPE container.

Ru Containing Samples (Preparation & Solution):  Metal (fuse with KOH/KNO₃ in a Ag⁰ crucible); Oxides (fuse with KOH / KNO₃ in a Ag⁰ crucible); Ores (see Oxides); Alloys (see Oxides). Organics (the RuO₄ is volatile and acidic oxidizing preparations should be used with caution. The preferred approach is the KOH / KNO₃ fusion and dissolution of the fuseate in HCl).