Chemistry Week 4

1. The catalyst element of the week that I chose was Pallidium. It's chemical symbol is Pd and it has an atomic number of 46. It is a very rare lustrous silvery-white metal that can resemble platinum. It is hard to get. Pallidium falls in the groups of the platinum group metals. Pallidium has the lowest melting point in this group and is the least dense. Over half of the supply of pallidium goes into catalytic converters, which are converted to up to 90% of harmful gases from auto exhaust into less harmful substances. Pallidium is also used in electronics, dentistry, medicine, hydrogen purification, chemical applications, groundwater treatment and jewelry. Pallidium combined with hydrogen and oxygen produce electricity, heat and water.


What is my opinion on Green Chemistry as a Social Movement?

I like the idea of going green as a social movement in general. It is good that more and more of a big deal is being made out of it. People are becoming more aware of the environment. I think that it is only a normal transition that going green will be pouring over into different industries, one being chemistry. I do like the idea behind it and I think that the people trying to do it have very good intentions and I respect that! But as we talked in class there could be some consequences with these kind of changes. There will be a lot of trial and air. There is no way to make such big changes like this without having some errors along the way. For me I like the idea of green chemistry and I hope that it has good results in the future.