What does platinic mean?
Platinic is an adjective connected with platinum, the silver-white metallic element whose chemical symbol is Pt and whose atomic number is 78. In general use, it means “of or relating to platinum.” In chemistry, however, the word has a more specific role: platinic describes platinum compounds in which platinum has an oxidation state of +4. This distinguishes them from platinous compounds, in which platinum has an oxidation state of +2. Established expressions include platinic acid, platinic chloride, and platinic oxide. The word is technical rather than ordinary, so readers will usually encounter it in chemistry or discussions of platinum-group materials. Although the adjective can evoke platinum’s rarity, brilliance, and high value, its actual defining feature is chemical. It should also not be confused with platonic, an unrelated word associated with Plato and, in modern usage, with relationships or feelings considered nonsexual or idealized.
adjectiveOf or relating to platinum. In chemistry, it specifically denotes a compound or species in which platinum has an oxidation state of +4.
- Denoting a compound or species in which platinum has an oxidation state of +4.
- Of or relating to platinum or platinum-containing substances.
"The pale coating on the electrode was later identified as platinic oxide."
"The pale coating on the electrode was later identified as platinic oxide."
"The research group synthesized a platinic complex for comparison with its platinous analogue."
Platinic points to platinum at oxidation state +4, setting it apart from the +2 world of platinous compounds.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does platinic come from?
The adjective was formed in English from platinum with the chemical suffix -ic. Platinum itself was borrowed from Spanish platina, literally “little silver,” a diminutive of plata (“silver”), which ultimately derives from Latin plumbum. The suffix -ic traditionally marks the higher member of an -ic/-ous chemical contrast; here it distinguishes platinum in the +4 state from platinous platinum in the +2 state.
How platinic is actually used
Chiefly technical and used especially in chemistry. The adjective is normally lowercase and does not have a widely established figurative use distinct from its chemical meaning.
Easily confused with platinic
Platinic relates to the chemical element platinum, whereas platonic relates to Plato or, in modern usage, to idealized or nonsexual relationships.
Platinic denotes platinum in the +4 oxidation state, while platinous denotes platinum in the +2 oxidation state.