- Definition of Indium (In)
Indium – symbolized as In, is a soft, silvery-white metal, belonging to group 13 of the periodic table, with an atomic mass of 114.818 u and an atomic number of 49. Indium has no scent and is insoluble in water. The molecular structure of Indium includes 49 protons, 49 neutrons, and 49 electrons. When in ionic form, Indium typically has a valence state of +3.
- Properties of In:
2.1 Physical properties: Indium is silvery-white in color, has no smell, is insoluble in water, and has a neutral pH level. It has a melting point of 156.5985 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of 2080 degrees Celsius.
2.2 Chemical properties: Indium is easily oxidized when exposed to air, forming a greenish layer of In2O3 on the surface. It can also react with strong acids to form indium salts and hydrogen gas.
- Common chemical equations:
Indium can react with strong acids:
In + 2HCl -> InCl2 + H2(Indiumreactingwithhydrochloricacid)
In + 2HNO3 -> In(NO3)2 + H2(Indiumreactingwithnitricacid)
- Synthesis of In:
4.1 Laboratory synthesis: Indium is typically synthesized from its ore using electrolysis or thermal decomposition.
4.2 Industrial synthesis: In industry, Indium is extracted from zinc, copper, lead ores, and is rarely found in iron ores. It is extracted by electrolyzing a solution of indium salt.