What is the atomic number of platinum?

Platinum has atomic number 78, meaning its nucleus contains 78 protons. Its chemical symbol Pt derives from the Spanish word "platina," meaning "little silver," coined by early Spanish conquistadors who encountered the metal in South America.

What is the electron configuration of platinum?

Platinum's ground-state electron configuration is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d⁹ 6s¹. The simple Aufbau prediction is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d⁸ 6s², but the close 5d/6s energy spacing, relativistic effects, and electron interactions favor the observed anomalous configuration.

What are the common oxidation states of platinum?

Platinum most commonly exhibits +2 and +4 oxidation states. Pt(II) forms square-planar complexes (e.g., cisplatin used in cancer chemotherapy). Pt(IV) forms octahedral complexes. Pt(0) is important in heterogeneous catalysis. Rare Pt(VI) compounds such as PtF₆ are also known.

Why is platinum so valuable?

Platinum is extremely rare — crustal abundance is about 0.005 ppm — and extraction is labor-intensive, requiring processing of several tons of ore per troy ounce. Over 40% of annual supply goes to automotive catalytic converters. South Africa holds roughly 75–80% of global reserves, making supply sensitive to geopolitical factors. Combined with its unique catalytic and corrosion-resistant properties, this scarcity drives its high price.

What is the melting point of platinum?

Platinum melts at 1768.3°C (3214.9°F / 2041.4 K). This exceptionally high melting point, along with its chemical inertness, makes it ideal for high-temperature laboratory crucibles, furnace windings, and thermocouple wires used in accurate temperature measurement.

How is platinum used in medicine?

The platinum compound cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II)) is one of the most widely used anticancer drugs, effective against testicular, ovarian, bladder, and lung cancers. It works by crosslinking DNA strands and preventing cancer cell replication. Carboplatin and oxaliplatin are second- and third-generation platinum-based drugs with improved side-effect profiles.

Platinum Element Properties

A complete reference card for Platinum (Pt, element 78) covering atomic data, physical properties, electron configuration, and industrial uses.

78 Pt Platinum

Atomic Mass

195.084 u

Group / Period

10 / 6

Block

d-block

Overview — Platinum (Pt)

Element Name Platinum

Symbol Pt

Atomic Number 78

Atomic Mass 195.084 u

Element Category Transition Metal (Platinum Group)

Group / Period / Block 10 / 6 / d

Discovered 1735 — Antonio de Ulloa (isolated)

Named After Spanish "platina" (little silver)

Appearance Silvery-white, dense, lustrous metal

Standard State (25°C) Solid

Crustal Abundance ~0.005 ppm (very rare)

Electronic Structure & Industrial Uses

Electron Shell Diagram (2, 8, 18, 32, 17, 1)

Oxidation States

0 Elemental

+2 Most common

+4 Common

+6 Rare (PtF₆)

Common Industrial Uses

Catalytic Converters

Oxidizes CO and unburned hydrocarbons in diesel exhaust; works alongside palladium and rhodium.

Jewelry

Used in fine jewelry for its natural white luster, hypoallergenic properties, and tarnish resistance.

Fuel Cells

Benchmark electrocatalyst for the hydrogen oxidation and oxygen reduction reactions in PEM fuel cells.

Anticancer Drugs

Cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin are platinum-based chemotherapy agents for multiple cancer types.

Laboratory Equipment

Pt crucibles, electrodes, and resistance thermometers (Pt100/Pt1000 RTDs) for precise temperature sensing.

Petroleum Refining

Catalytic reforming of naphtha to produce high-octane gasoline components using Pt-Re catalysts.

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Summary

Platinum (symbol Pt, atomic number 78) is a dense, malleable, silvery-white transition metal in Group 10 of the periodic table, and one of the rarest and most valuable platinum group metals (PGMs). It has an atomic mass of 195.084 u and an anomalous ground-state electron configuration of [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d⁹ 6s¹ arising from relativistic effects. Platinum is renowned for its exceptional corrosion resistance, catalytic activity, and widespread use in jewelry, catalytic converters, and laboratory equipment.

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Use cases

Quick reference for chemistry students and educators studying the platinum group metals.
Engineering research involving catalytic converter materials and emission control.
Jewelry industry valuation, alloy specification, and hallmarking reference.
Fuel cell design — platinum is the benchmark electrocatalyst for hydrogen oxidation.
Laboratory equipment selection: Pt crucibles, electrodes, and resistance thermometers.
Academic assignments requiring verified, peer-reviewed elemental data.
Investment research on precious metals and PGM commodity markets.
Industrial catalyst selection for petroleum refining and chemical synthesis.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Platinum Element Properties

Overview — Platinum (Pt)

Atomic Properties

Physical Properties

Electronic Structure & Industrial Uses

Electron Shell Diagram (2, 8, 18, 32, 17, 1)

Oxidation States

Common Industrial Uses

Summary

How it works

Use cases

Frequently Asked Questions

Platinum Element Properties

Use the Platinum Element Properties

Overview — Platinum (Pt)

Atomic Properties

Physical Properties

Electronic Structure & Industrial Uses

Electron Shell Diagram (2, 8, 18, 32, 17, 1)

Oxidation States

Common Industrial Uses

Summary

How it works

Use cases

Frequently Asked Questions