Osmium (atomic number 76, symbol Os) is a brittle, hard metal that belongs to the platinum family. The element has several oxidation states - +8, +3, +2, etc. Besides osmium, the +8 oxidation state has been reported for several elements only - plutonium, iridium, xenon, and others. Osmium has a very high density and low compressibility. It is difficult to process or form when in solid state due to its high melting point and hardness.
Osmium is a lustrous, silvery metal which is unaffected by acids, water, and air at room temperature. Solid osmium dissolves with molten alkalis, but the...Read More