Properties and Applications of Ruthenium

Abstract

Ruthenium (Ru) with atomic number of 44 is one of the platinum group metals, the others being Rh, Pd, Os, Ir and Pt. In earth ’ s crust, it is quite rare, found in parts per billion quantities, in ores containing some of the other platinum group metals. Ruthenium is silvery whitish, lustrous hard metal with a shiny surface. It has seven stable isotopes. Recently, coordination and organometallic chemistry of Ru has shown remarkable growth. In this chapter, we review the application of Ru in diverse fields along with its physical and chemical properties. In the applications part of Ru we have primarily focused on the biomedical applications. The biomedical applications are broadly divided into diagnostic and treatment aspects. Ru and their complexes are mainly used in determination of ferritin, calcitonin and cyclosporine and folate level in human body for diagnosis of diseases. Treatment aspects focuses on immunosuppressant, antimicrobial and anticancer activity. materials. In biomedical fields Ru is used for diagnosis and treatment purpose. For example, Ru is used for determination of calcitonin level in blood which is helpful in diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to thyroid and parathyroid glands. Also, Ru plays an important role in Elecys folate RBC assay in estimating folate deficiency in RBC. Ruthenium cyclosporin complex gives a stable compound which results in an inhibitory effect on T lymphocyte proliferation which shows its immune-suppressant action. Ruthenium complex has its effectiveness against wide range of parasitic diseases. Ruthenium shows the ability to bind to the DNA and inhibits its replication as well as protein synthesis. This property helps in the treatment of cancer. This chapter gives a brief account of the various properties of Ru which are exploited for applications in the medical field. It is likely that in the coming years, further research will lead to even more useful applications of this miraculous element.