Why is osmium tetroxide very expensive and highly toxic?

Answer 1

Osmium tetroxide is expensive because osmium is a rare element.

Cost

Osmium is one of the rarest elements in the Earth's crust.

Osmium is obtained as a by-product from nickel and copper processing. It has to be separated from Ru, Rh, and Ir and then converted to OsO₄. This all costs money.

The US production of Os is probably only about 75 kg/year.

Toxicity

Osmium tetroxide is highly toxic, but its mechanism of action is unknown.

OsO₄ can enter the body by ingestion or by inhalation of its vapor or aerosol.

It is a severe irritant of the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.

Skin burns result in blisters or skin discoloration.

Ingestion can lead to burning sensation, cramps, collapse, or shock.

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Answer 2

Osmium tetroxide is very expensive and highly toxic due to its rarity and extreme toxicity. Osmium is one of the rarest elements in the Earth's crust, making extraction and purification of osmium compounds costly. Additionally, osmium tetroxide is highly toxic, posing serious health risks upon inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. It is a strong oxidizing agent and can cause severe tissue damage, respiratory problems, and even death at high concentrations. These factors contribute to its high cost and strict regulations regarding its handling and use in laboratory settings.

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Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

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