Osmious acid, with the chemical formula H2OsO4, is a compound containing osmium, a rare transition metal. Its spelling corresponds to the pronunciation /ɑːzmiəs/ - the stress is on the second syllable, after which the sound /i/ is heard, followed by the /əs/ sound. The word's spelling derives from its etymology, which traces it back to the Greek word "osme," meaning "smell", as osmious compounds are known to emit strong, pungent odors. Osmious acid serves as a reagent in various organic synthesis reactions.
Osmious acid is a chemical compound with the molecular formula H2OsO3. It is an inorganic acid that belongs to the group of osmium oxoacids. Osmium is a rare and dense transition metal known for its various oxidation states.
Osmious acid is a colorless, crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. It is a strong oxidizing agent and can be prepared by the reaction of osmium dichloride (OsCl2) with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in aqueous solution. The resulting solution contains osmious acid along with some osmium tetroxide (OsO4), which is a toxic and volatile compound.
Due to its powerful oxidizing properties, osmious acid is primarily used as a reagent in organic chemistry for the oxidation of various organic compounds. It can facilitate the conversion of alkenes to diols, aldehydes to carboxylic acids, and alcohols to carbonyl compounds. Furthermore, osmious acid is employed as a stain in microscopy techniques to enhance the visibility of biological samples.
It is important to handle osmious acid with caution, as it is a hazardous substance that can cause severe skin and eye irritation. Inhalation or ingestion of osmious acid can lead to respiratory and gastrointestinal distress. In case of contact, immediate medical attention should be sought, and contaminated areas should be thoroughly washed with water.
Acids from osmium.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "osmious acid" is derived from the scientific term "osmium", which refers to a chemical element with the symbol "Os" and atomic number 76. The term "osmium" was coined by the English chemist and physicist Smithson Tennant in 1803, who named it after the Greek word "ὀσμή" (osmē), meaning "smell" or "odor". Tennant chose this name due to osmium's pungent and distinctive smell in its oxide form.
The word "osmious" is derived from "osmium" and denotes a compound derived from or containing osmium. Therefore, "osmious acid" refers to an acid that contains osmium, specifically referring to the compound "osmium tetroxide (OsO4)" when dissolved in water, forming osmious acid.