OSMIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
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Osmic acid is a chemical compound with the molecular formula H2OsO4. It is a strong and highly toxic acid that belongs to the class of inorganic acids. Osmic acid is derived from osmium, a transition metal in the platinum group. It is notable for its dark brown color and pungent odor, which resembles the smell of chlorine.
The compound osmic acid is primarily used in analytical chemistry as a reagent for staining and fixing biological samples, particularly in electron microscopy. It has the ability to bind to tissues and cellular structures, allowing for enhanced visualization under a microscope. Osmic acid is commonly used to highlight anatomical features and to preserve biological material for further analysis.
Due to its toxic nature, osmic acid must be handled with great caution. It can cause severe skin and eye irritation upon contact and can be harmful if inhaled or ingested. Prolonged exposure to osmic acid can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory problems and damage to internal organs.
In conclusion, osmic acid is a highly toxic and strong acid derived from osmium. It finds its main application in analytical chemistry, particularly in staining and fixing biological samples for enhanced visualization. Special care and precautions must be taken while handling osmic acid due to its toxicity.
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1. An acid, H2OsO4, formed from osmium, which unites with bases to form osmates 2. Osmium tetroxide, perosmic acid, OsO4, obtained by heating powdered osmium in oxygen a yellowish crystalline powder, of pungent odor; employed in neuralgia, muscular rheumatism, and goiter, in doses of gr. 1/60-1/30 (0.001-0.002), and externally as a caustic for the removal of warts and small tumors; it is used also as a stain for fats and nervous tissue.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for OSMIC ACID
- ismic acid
- ksmic acid
- lsmic acid
- psmic acid
- 0smic acid
- 9smic acid
- oamic acid
- ozmic acid
- oxmic acid
- odmic acid
- oemic acid
- owmic acid
- osnic acid
- oskic acid
- osjic acid
- osmuc acid
- osmjc acid
- osmkc acid
- osmoc acid
- osm9c acid
Etymology of OSMIC ACID
The word "osmic acid" is derived from the element osmium, which was discovered in 1803 by English chemist Smithson Tennant. When osmium metal reacts with certain reagents, it forms osmium tetroxide (OsO4). This compound was initially called "osmic acid" due to its acidic properties and the presence of oxygen (O). However, later it was discovered that OsO4 is not a true acid but rather an oxide of osmium. The name "osmic acid" has since been retained as a historical term.
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