Connecting Chemistry


Atomic symbol: Os
Atomic number: 76
Atomic mass: 190.23

Appearance: Silvery blue solid at 25°C

Group: 8
Period: 6
Series: Transition metals
Block: d
Electron configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁶ 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p⁶ 4f¹⁴ 5d⁶ 6s²

Extremely dense and rare, considered a precious metal.

Some compounds, especially osmium tetroxide, are highly toxic.

Fun Fact! Osmium is named after the Greek word “osme”, meaning smell, due to the pungent and distasteful odor given off by some of its compounds.