Chloroplatinic Acid Formula

Platinum is an element of the periodic table. The atomic number of platinum is 78 and it is represented by the symbol Pt. The name comes from the Spanish word Platina which means silver. It is a transition metal. It is malleable, ductile, dense, and highly reactive. It has a white silver-ish appearance. It has six natural isotopes. It is one of the rarest elements found in the earth’s crust and is highly valuable. It is highly unreactive.

Chlorine is part of the halogen group in the periodic table and has the atomic number 17 and is represented by the symbol Cl. It is generally a yellow-green gas at room temperature and is extremely reactive and acts as a strong oxidizing agent. It has the highest electron affinity in the complete periodic table. Due to its highly electronegative nature, it is found mostly in ionic form in the earth’s crust.

What is Chloroplatinic acid?

Chloroplatinic acid is also called hexachloroplatinic. It is an inorganic compound. It appears as a red solid. It is one of the most important Platinum for commercial use. It is the hydronium salt of hexachloroplatinate anion. Chloroplatinic acid is highly hygroscopic, which means it has a high capacity to hold water. The chemical formula of Chloroplatinic acid is [H₃O]₂[PtCl₆](H₂O)_x. Though it can be even written as H₂PtCl₆ for convenience. It is soluble in water and produces a mildly acidic solution. It is used to make indelible ink and in the electroplating process.

Methods of Preparation Of Chloroplatinic acid

It is produced in a lot of methods like

• One of the most common methods to produce Chloroplatinic acid is dissolving platinum in aqua regia ( It is a mixture of nitric acid and Hydrochloric acid in a 1:3 ratio )

Pt + 4 HNO₃ + 6H₂O  —–> H₂PtCl₆ + 4 No₂ + 4 H₂O

• Chloroplatinic acid can be produced by exposing an aqueous suspension of Platinum particles to chlorine gas or through electrolysis.

Structure Of Chloroplatinic acid

Chloroplatinic acid is also called hexachloroplatinic. It is an inorganic compound. The IUPAC name of  Chloroplatinic acid is tetrachloroplatinum; hydrate; dihydrochloride. The geometry of the complex is Octahedral. It appears as a red solid. The chemical formula of Chloroplatinic acid is [H₃O]₂[PtCl₆](H₂O)_x. Though it can be even written as H₂PtCl₆ for convenience. The molecular weight of Chloroplatinic acid is 427 amu. The bond between the [HO₃] and [PtCl₆] is a coordination covalent bond. 

Physical Properties of Chloroplatinic acid

• The molecular weight of  Chloroplatinic acid is 427 amu.
• Chloroplatinic acid is found as a reddish-brown solid.
• It is soluble in water resulting in a mildly acidic solution.
• It is inflammable but difficult to start the fire.
• Chloroplatinic acid has an acidic odor.

Chemical Properties of Chloroplatinic acid

• When Chloroplatinic acid is heated it decomposes to Platinum(IV) Chloride.

(H₃O)₂PtCl₆·xH₂O —-> PtCl₄ + 2 HCl + (x + 2) H2O

• The melting point of Chloroplatinic acid is 60 ⁰ C,
• It decomposes on heating.
• The density of Chloroplatinic acid is 1.05 g/ml.
• When Chloroplatinic acid is added to water it results in an acidic solution with a pH of less than 7.

Uses of Chloroplatinic acid

• Chloroplatinic acid is used for the determination of Potassium with Quantitative analysis of potassium. Chloroplatinic acid is widely used for this purpose as it holds advantages one Sodium Cobaltinitrite.
• Chloroplatinic acid is an important source of commercial production of platinum. Platinum is widely produced by processing Chloroplatinic acid.
• Chloroplatinic acid is used to purify platinum. Ammonium salts turn to elemental platinum when it is treated with Chloroplatinic acid forming an ammonium hexachloroplatinate. 
• Chloroplatinic acid is often used as a catalyst in many chemical reactions. For example, it is used as a catalyst in reaction to convert hydrosilanes to olefins.

Health Hazards of Chloroplatinic acid

• Chloroplatinic Acid is known to cause allergies and asthma.
• Continued exposure to Chloroplatinic Acid over a long period of time may cause permanent damage to the lungs.
• If it is consumed it could be lethal for the person.
• When it comes in contact with the eyes it causes irritation and redness. 

FAQs on Chloroplatinic acid

Question 1: Explain Chloroplatinic acid.

Answer:

Chloroplatinic acid is also called hexachloroplatinic. It is a red solid. It is the hydronium salt of hexachloroplatinate anion. Chloroplatinic acid has a high capacity to hold water. The chemical formula of Chloroplatinic acid is [H₃O]₂[PtCl₆](H₂O)_x. It can sometimes be represented as H₂PtCl₆ for convenience.

Question 2: What are the applications of Chloroplatinic acid?

Answer:

Chloroplatinic acid is used in the quantitative analysis of potassium, it is widely used for this purpose as it holds advantages over Sodium Cobaltinitrite. Chloroplatinic acid is often used as a catalyst in many chemical reactions. For example, it is used as a catalyst in reaction to convert hydrosilanes to olefins.

Question 3: What are the uses of Chloroplatinic acid with respect to Platinum?

Answer:

Chloroplatinic acid is used to make platinum photographic prints and mirrors. Chloroplatinic acid is an important source of commercial production of platinum.

Question 4: What is Aqua Regia?

Answer:

Aqua Regia is a solution or mixture of nitric acid and hydrochloric acid. The ratio of nitric acid to hydrochloric acid in the solution is 1 : 3.

Question 5: How can Chloroplatinic acid solution be prepared?

Answer: 

The chloroplatinic acid solution can be prepared by decomposing platinum. 

Question 6: Is Chloroplatinic Acid safe? Does it have any adverse health effects?

Answer: 

Continued exposure to Chloroplatinic Acid over a long period of time may cause permanent damage to the lungs. If it is consumed it could be lethal for the person.