37 85.468
Rb
Rubidium

Rubidium , Rb

Rubidium is a chemical element with the symbol Rb and atomic number 37. This alkali metal exhibits a silvery-white appearance and is highly reactive, belonging to group 1 of the periodic table. In a natural environment, rubidium comprises two isotopes: 72% is a stable isotope (85Rb), and 28% is slightly radioactive (87Rb). Like other alkali metals, rubidium metal reacts violently with water. 

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R3-10000-P

RbC2H3O2 -4 mesh 99.9% Pure

Rubidium Acetate

R3-10002-P

Rb2CO3 -20 mesh 99.9% Pure

Rubidium Carbonate

R3-10003-P

RnCl -4 mesh 99.9% Pure

Rubidium Chloride

R3-10004-P

Rb2CrO4 -20 mesh 99.9% Pure

Rubidium Chromate

5.1 UN1479 PG III Oxidizer

R3-10005-P

RbF -4 mesh 99.9% Pure

Rubidium Fluoride

R3-10007-P

RbIO3 -4 mesh 99.9% Pure

Rubidium Iodate

5.1 UN1479 PG II Oxidizer

R3-10009-P

Rb2MoO4 -200 mesh 99.5% Pure

Rubidium Molybdate

R3-10010-P

RbNbO3 -200 mesh 99.5% Pure

Rubidium Niobate

R3-10011-P

RbNO3 -80 mesh 99.9% Pure

Rubidium Nitrate

5.1 UN1477 PG III Oxidizer

R3-10012-P

RbClO4 -4 mesh 99.9% Pure

Rubidium Perchlorate

5.1 UN1481 PG II Oxidizer

R3-10013-P

Rb2Se -60 mesh 99.5% Pure

Rubidium Selenide

4.3 UN1423 PG I Dangerous when wet

R3-10014-P

Rb2SO4 -20 mesh 99.9% Pure

Rubidium Sulphate

R3-10015-P

RbTaO3 -200 mesh 99.5% Pure

Rubidium Tantalate

R3-10016-P

Rb2TiO3 -200 mesh 99.5% Pure

Rubidium Titanate

R3-10017-P

Rb2WO4 -200 mesh 99.5% Pure

Rubidium Tungstate

R3-10018-P

RbVO3 (meta) -100 mesh 99.5% Pure

Rubidium vanadate

6.1 UN3288 PG II Toxic

R3-10019-P

Rb3V2O7 (pyro) -100 mesh 99.5% Pure

Rubidium vanadate

6.1 UN3288 PG II Toxic

R3-10020-P

Rb2CO3 -14 mesh 99.95% Pure

Rubidium Carbonate

Rubidium, the second most electropositive of the stable alkali elements, distinguishes itself with unique physical and chemical characteristics. Notably, rubidium has the remarkable property of liquefying at relatively high ambient temperatures, with its melting point at 102.7 °F (39.3 °C). However, its reactivity with water is one of its defining features, similar to the other group 1 elements. When introduced to water, rubidium undergoes a violent reaction, often igniting the liberated hydrogen. Furthermore, rubidium has been documented to ignite spontaneously upon exposure to air, underscoring its highly reactive nature.

In addition to its reactive behaviour, rubidium shares commonalities with other alkali metals in its ability to form amalgams with mercury and alloys with various metals, including gold, caesium, sodium, and potassium. This versatility in forming alloys extends its utility across diverse industrial applications.

One distinctive feature of rubidium is its ability to impart a reddish-violet hue to a flame, which inspired its name. This characteristic flame colouration makes rubidium a valuable tool in flame tests and spectral analysis, aiding in the identification and analysis of substances in laboratory settings.

Symbol Rb
Atomic number 37
No. of naturally occurring isotopes 1+1*
Atomic weight 85.4678(+/-3)
Electronic configuration [Kr]5s'
Metal radius/pm 248
Ionic radius(6-coordinate)/pm 152
E° (M+(aq)\ + e- →M(s))/V -2.93
Density (20°C)/gcm3 1.532
Melting point / °C 39
Boiling point / °C 688
ΔHfus/kJmol-1 2.2
ΔHvap/kJmol-1 76
ΔHf(monoatomic gas)/kJmol-1 88
ΔHdissoc/kJmol-1 47.3
Ionization energy/kJmol-1 402.9
* (radioactive 87Rb t½ 5.7x 1010y)
Temperature (oC) @Vap. Pressure
10-8 Torr -3
10-6 Torr 37
10-4 Torr 111
Techniques
Electron Beam -
Crucible Quartz
Coil -
Boat -
Remarks
-