INDIUM

(In), chemical element, rare metal of main Group IIIa, or boron group, of the periodic table. Of a brilliant, silvery-white lustre, indium was discovered (1863) by Ferdinand Reich and Theodor Richter while they were examining zinc ore samples. The presence of a predominant indigo spectral line suggested the name. Softer than lead and quite plastic, indium can be scratched with a fingernail and can undergo almost limitless deformation. Like tin, the pure metal emits a high-pitched cry when bent. Indium is about as rare as silver. The Earth's crust contains on the average about 0.05 part per million indium by weight. The element does not occur uncombined nor in independent minerals but as a trace in many minerals, particularly those of zinc and lead, from which it is obtained as a by-product. Indium has the unusual property when molten of clinging to or wetting clean glass and other surfaces, which makes it valuable for producing hermetic seals between glass, metals, quartz, ceramics, and marble. Indium is used in coating aircraft engine bearings because it improves corrosion resistance and enables the surface to retain a more adherent oil film. Indium is an ingredient in some low-melting alloys used in sprinkler heads, fire-door links, and fusible plugs. The metal is extensively employed in the manufacture of semiconductor devices and for soldering various parts of germanium transistors and rectifiers. Indium also is used to measure the thermal neutron flux of nuclear reactors and to monitor neutrons for the protection of personnel and equipment. Natural indium is a mixture of two isotopes: indium-113 (4.28 percent) and indium-115 (95.72 percent). Indium metal is unaffected by air at ordinary temperatures, but at a red heat it burns with a blue-violet flame to form the yellow oxide In2O3. The metal dissolves in mineral acids but is unaffected by potassium hydroxide or boiling water. When heated in the presence of the halogens or sulfur, direct combination takes place. Though a few authentic indium(I) compounds have been prepared (e.g., halides), indium is commonly trivalent in its compounds. With the main Group V elements, indium forms compounds (indium phosphide, arsenide, antimonide) that have semiconductor properties. atomic number 49 atomic weight 114.82 melting point 156.61 C boiling point 2,080 C specific gravity 7.31 (20 C) valence 1, 3 electronic config. 2-8-18-18-3 or (Kr)4d105s25p1