What is the atomic number of palladium?

Palladium has atomic number 46, meaning it has 46 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Pd, from the asteroid Pallas discovered around the same time as the element (1803).

What is the electron configuration of palladium?

Palladium has the ground-state electron configuration [Kr] 4d¹⁰, which is unusual because both 5s electrons fill the 4d subshell to achieve a completely filled d-orbital — a lower-energy state than the expected [Kr] 4d⁹ 5s¹.

What are the common oxidation states of palladium?

Palladium most commonly exhibits +2 and +4 oxidation states. Pd(II) is the most stable and forms square-planar complexes. Pd(0) is important in organometallic catalysis. Pd(IV) compounds are known but less common.

Why is palladium valuable?

Palladium is a rare platinum group metal with exceptional catalytic properties. Over 80% of global supply is used in automotive catalytic converters to reduce harmful emissions. Supply constraints from Russia and South Africa, combined with growing automotive demand, drive its high market price.

What is the melting point of palladium?

Palladium melts at 1554.9°C (2830.8°F / 1828 K), making it suitable for high-temperature applications in electronics and industrial catalysis.

How does palladium absorb hydrogen?

Palladium has an extraordinary ability to absorb hydrogen gas — up to 900 times its own volume at room temperature. Hydrogen atoms fit into the face-centered cubic lattice interstitially, forming palladium hydride (PdHₓ). This property is exploited in hydrogen purification membranes.

Palladium Element Properties

A complete reference card for Palladium (Pd, element 46) covering atomic data, physical properties, electron configuration, and industrial uses.

46 Pd Palladium

Atomic Mass

106.42 u

Group / Period

10 / 5

Block

d-block

Overview — Palladium (Pd)

Element Name Palladium

Symbol Pd

Atomic Number 46

Atomic Mass 106.42 u

Element Category Transition Metal (Platinum Group)

Group / Period / Block 10 / 5 / d

Discovered 1803 — William Hyde Wollaston

Named After Asteroid 2 Pallas

Appearance Silvery-white, lustrous metal

Standard State (25°C) Solid

Electronic Structure & Industrial Uses

Electron Shell Diagram (2, 8, 18, 18)

Oxidation States

0 Elemental

+2 Most stable

+4 Less common

Common Industrial Uses

Catalytic Converters

Converts CO, hydrocarbons, and NOx from exhaust into less harmful gases (>80% of palladium demand).

Electronics

Multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) in smartphones, computers, and consumer electronics.

Jewelry & White Gold

Alloyed with gold to create white gold; used as a standalone precious metal in rings and watches.

Hydrogen Purification

Palladium membranes selectively permeate hydrogen, yielding ultra-high purity gas for fuel cells.

Organic Chemistry Catalyst

Suzuki coupling, Heck reaction, and other cross-coupling reactions in pharmaceutical synthesis.

Dentistry

Used in dental alloys for crowns and bridges due to biocompatibility and corrosion resistance.

Copied!

Summary

Palladium (symbol Pd, atomic number 46) is a lustrous silver-white transition metal in Group 10 of the periodic table, belonging to the platinum group metals (PGM). It has an atomic mass of 106.42 u and a unique electron configuration that places all ten 4d electrons before filling the 5s shell. Palladium is widely prized for catalytic converters, hydrogen purification, and fine jewelry.

How it works

Select a property category from the navigation tabs (Overview, Atomic, Physical, Electronic).
Each tab displays a structured table of values with units and additional context.
Use the Electron Configuration visualizer to see how electrons are distributed across shells.
Compare oxidation states in the interactive oxidation state panel.
Click "Copy Data" to copy the full property set to your clipboard as plain text.

Use cases

Quick reference for chemistry students and educators.
Engineering research involving catalytic converter materials.
Jewelry and precious metals industry valuation and specification.
Hydrogen storage and purification system design.
Electronics manufacturing — palladium is used in multilayer ceramic capacitors.
Academic assignments requiring verified elemental data.
Investment research on platinum group metals.
Industrial catalyst selection for hydrogenation reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-09-30 · Reviewed by Nham Vu

Palladium Element Properties

Overview — Palladium (Pd)

Atomic Properties

Physical Properties

Electronic Structure & Industrial Uses

Electron Shell Diagram (2, 8, 18, 18)

Oxidation States

Common Industrial Uses

Summary

How it works

Use cases

Frequently Asked Questions

Palladium Element Properties

Use the Palladium Element Properties

Overview — Palladium (Pd)

Atomic Properties

Physical Properties

Electronic Structure & Industrial Uses

Electron Shell Diagram (2, 8, 18, 18)

Oxidation States

Common Industrial Uses

Summary

How it works

Use cases

Frequently Asked Questions