What is Osmium Tetroxide?

Osmium tetroxide is an inorganic molecule containing one Osmium atom and four oxygen atoms. Osmium tetroxide is identified in several different ways, these ways include OsO4 and Osmium(VIII) oxide. The central atom of Osmium tetroxide is Osmium (Os) which is a very rare element that was discovered by accident in 1803. Osmium tetroxide has many uses considering the rarity of Osmium. Osmium tetroxide has a molecular structure that resembles a tetrahedron with 109.5 degree bond angles. All four Osmium - Oxygen bonds in OsO4 are double bonds, consisting of two shared electrons from Osmium being contributed to each Oxygen atom. Osmium tetroxide is a very volatile molecule, and is highly toxic and corrosive. Due to this, it must be properly stored in glass container.

Osmium tetroxide is normally a yellowish color, although in its purest form it is thought to be clear. The yellowish tinge is usually attributed to the possible presence of OsO2. Osmium tetroxide has an odd, acrid odor which is described as the smell of o-zone. The Greek root Osme in Osmium actually means odor. This molecule is usually found in the form of a pale yellow solid. However, OsO4 sublimes at room temperature. Osmium tetroxide has a melting point of 40.25 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of 129.7 degrees Celsius. It also has a density of 4.91g/cm³ and a molar mass of 254.23 grams/mole.