Atomic number:46

Group numbers:10

Period:5

Electronic configuration:[Kr] 4d¹⁰

Formal oxidation number:+2 +3

Electronegativities:2.2

Atomic radius / pm:137.6

Relative atomic mass:106.42 ± 0.01

 

Palladium was discovered by William Hyde Wollaston (GB) in 1803. Named after the asteroid Pallas which was discovered at about the same time and from the Greek name Pallas, goddess of wisdom. It is a soft, malleable, ductile, silvery-white metal that resists corrosion, dissolves in oxidizing acids and absorbs hydrogen. Metal dust is combustible. Palladium is obtained with platinum, nickel, copper and mercury ores. It is used as a substitute for silver in dental items and jewellery. The pure metal is used as the delicate mainsprings in analog wristwatches. It is also used in surgical instruments and as a catalyst.

Density / g dm^-3:12020 (293 K)

 10379 (m.p.)

Molar volume / cm³mol^-1:8.85 (293 K)

 10.25 (m.p.)

Electrical resistivity / μΩcm:10.8 (20 °C)

Thermal conductivity / W m^-1K^-1:71.8

Melting point / °C:1554.9

Boiling point / °C:2963

Heat of fusion / kJ mol^-1:17.2

Heat of vaporization / kJ mol^-1:361.5

Heat of atomization / kJ mol^-1:377.4

1st ionization energy / kJ mol^-1:804.39

2nd ionization energy / kJ mol^-1:1874.72

3rd ionization energy / kJ mol^-1:3177.28

in the atmosphere / ppm:-

in the Earth's crust / ppm:0.001

in the oceans / ppm:-