Chloroplatinic Acid Hexahydrate: A Platinum-Based Catalyst in Modern Chemistry

Chloroplatinic acid hexahydrate (H₂PtCl₆·6H₂O) is a hydrated platinum compound widely used in catalysis, analytical chemistry, and precious metal recovery. As a water-soluble, red-orange crystalline solid, it is a key platinum source in both chemical synthesis and industrial applications.

Chemical Overview

Chemical Name: Chloroplatinic acid hexahydrate
Chemical Formula: H₂PtCl₆·6H₂O
CAS Number: 18497-13-7
Molar Mass: 517.90 g/mol
Appearance: Red to orange crystalline solid
Solubility: Highly soluble in water and alcohol
Odor: Odorless
Stability: Stable under normal conditions; hygroscopic

Chemical Structure and Properties

Chloroplatinic acid consists of the complex ion [PtCl₆]²⁻ with two protons (H⁺) balancing the charge. The hexahydrate form includes six water molecules of crystallization, contributing to its solid-state stability.

Property	Description
Physical State	Crystalline solid (hydrated)
Color	Orange-red
Acid Strength	Strong acid in aqueous solution
Oxidation State of Pt	+4 (Platinum IV)
Hygroscopic	Yes – absorbs moisture from the air
Reactivity	Strong oxidizing and catalytic agent

Key Applications

1. Catalysis in Hydrogenation

Chloroplatinic acid is used to prepare platinum catalysts, such as:

Platinized carbon
Platinum black
Platinum on silica/alumina

These catalysts are crucial in:

Hydrogenation reactions
Fuel cell technologies
Organic synthesis

2. Analytical Chemistry

Used in gravimetric and colorimetric analysis for:

Detection of potassium (forms sparingly soluble potassium hexachloroplatinate)
Trace metal analysis
Standard platinum solutions in analytical testing

3. Platinum Electroplating

H₂PtCl₆·6H₂O is the primary platinum source for electroplating baths, providing a uniform, corrosion-resistant, and conductive platinum coating for:

Electronics
Medical devices
Laboratory equipment

4. Chemical Synthesis

Chloroplatinic acid is a precursor for other platinum compounds such as:

Platinum(II) chloride (PtCl₂)
Platinum-based pharmaceutical complexes

5. Glass Manufacturing

Used in making platinum-based coatings and crucibles due to platinum’s high thermal resistance and chemical inertness.

Safety and Handling

While chloroplatinic acid hexahydrate is not explosive or flammable, it is a corrosive and toxic compound and must be handled with care.

Hazards:

Causes severe skin and eye irritation
Toxic if inhaled or ingested
May cause allergic reactions or sensitization

Personal Protection:

Wear nitrile gloves, safety goggles, and lab coat
Use in a fume hood
Avoid prolonged skin contact or inhalation of dust

First Aid:

Skin/Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical help
Inhalation: Move to fresh air and get medical attention
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth and get emergency care

Storage and Stability

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
Keep in airtightly sealed containers, away from light and incompatible materials (e.g., reducing agents)
Avoid contact with organic materials, which can react with oxidizers

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Toxic to aquatic life—must not be released into the environment
Disposal must comply with local hazardous waste regulations
As a precious metal, recycling and recovery are economically and environmentally favorable

Conclusion

Chloroplatinic acid hexahydrate is a powerful and multifunctional platinum compound, playing a central role in catalysis, analytical chemistry, electroplating, and material science. Its ability to produce high-performance platinum catalysts makes it invaluable in both research and industrial sectors. However, its toxicity and corrosive nature require careful handling, storage, and disposal practices.

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