Platinum in ethanol

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Category: Catalysis - Applied and Physical Aspects

Subject: Platinum in ethanol

Question

Will platinum dissolve or corrode if exposed to ethanol?

Is platinum on alumina catalyst insoluble in ethanol, and can it be filtered out of an ethanol solution?

Answer

Platinum will not dissolve in ethanol. It is one of the most inert of metals so it takes hot aqua regia (concentrated hydrochloric acid + concentrated nitric acid) to get it to dissolve.

It will be possible to filter platinum on alumina from ethanol. However, you should exercise extreme caution when mixing finely divided platinum catalysts with organic solvents. There is always the possibility that a supported platinum (or other finely divided metal) will react with the solvent causing it to catch fire. Any residues should be quenched with water to ensure they do not ignite.

Answer posted 18 December 2006

Submitted by: Ms Sara Coles

Affiliation: PMR

Answered by: Brian Theobald

Affiliation: Electrotechnology/Catalyst Preparation, Johnson Matthey Technology Centre