Previously unknown oxidation state of rhodium(VII) could play a role in chemical reactions
Mayara da Silva Santos , doctoral candidate at the University of Freiburg’s Institute of Physics, has discovered a new oxidation state of rhodium. This chemical element is one of the most catalytically important platinum-group metals and is used, for example, in catalytic converters for automobiles. Rhodium is actually already well studied. What helped Silva Santos make the rare discovery of a surprisingly high oxidation state was a new approach: As part of her doctoral dissertation, she is studying unusual transition metal oxides. ...
