Iridium Compounds
Iridium compounds encompass a vast range of elements, compounds and mixtures, each possessing their own unique chemical and physical properties. A key component of the atomic structure of iridium is its outermost shell of four electrons, which in turn plays an integral role in the chemistry and reactivity of all iridium compounds. This article will discuss the various iridium compounds, their properties, and how they are formed.
The three main types of iridium compounds are coordination complexes, organometallic compounds and metal oxides. Coordination complexes are formed when two or more metal ions interact with a coordinating molecule called a ligand. The Iridium ion itself typically has eight ligands and is typically found in octahedral or tetrahedral geometrical arrangements. Iridium coordination complexes tend to be very stable in a variety of environments and are used in many industrial and chemical processes.
Organometallic compounds are formed by the chemical combination of an Iridium metal ion with an organic compound. These compounds are particularly useful in the fields of pharmaceuticals and industrial chemistry, as they are capable of holding the properties of both metal and organic structures. Examples of common organometallic compounds include Iridium tetraethylene glycolate, which is used in organic synthetic chemistry, and Iridium tris-acetate, which is a UV-stable pigment used in the dye and paint industry.
The third type of iridium compound is metal oxides. These compounds are typically formed by the reaction of an Iridium metal ion with an oxygen molecule. The resulting chemical structure is an Iridium oxide, which can be found in a number of different forms. The most common being Iridium dioxide, Iridium trioxide, Iridium pentoxide and Iridium selenide. Iridium oxides are extremely durable and have a wide range of applications from catalytic converters and fuel cells, to creating dozens of colors used in the food and cosmetic industry.
In addition to the three main types of iridium compounds, there are also a number of other interesting forms including intercalates, cobaloximes, coordination polymers and nanoscale materials. Each of these forms possess their own unique properties that make them desirable to a variety of industries. For example, coordination polymers are exceptionally strong and relatively lightweight formulation, making them ideal for uses such as scaffolding in drug delivery systems.
In conclusion, there are a number of different forms of iridium compounds. Depending on the application, it can be formed into a coordination complex, an organometallic compound, a metal oxide or a combination of all three. Each form possesses unique properties that make them attractive for different uses in industry and research. Additionally, the wide range of colors and properties iridium compounds can produce give them a broad range of applications in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and research industries.
