Osmium Tetroxide | 20816-12-0

Cas No :

20816-12-0

Molecular Weight :

254.23 G/Mol

Boiling Point :

400 °C

Melting Point :

40 °C

Solubility :

Soluble In Acetone And Other Organic Solvents; Insoluble In Water

Description :

Overview of Osmium Tetroxide

Osmium Tetroxide (OsO₄) is a highly reactive and versatile oxidizing agent widely used in organic synthesis, microscopy staining, and catalysis. It is valued for its strong oxidizing properties, selective dihydroxylation of alkenes, and use as a staining agent in electron microscopy for detailed visualization of biological samples.

On ChemicalBull, related chemicals such as Ruthenium Tetroxide, Potassium Permanganate, Osmium Dioxide, and Palladium Chloride


Applications of Osmium Tetroxide

Organic Synthesis

  • Used for dihydroxylation of alkenes to produce vicinal diols

  • Functions as a selective oxidizing agent in organic reactions

Microscopy & Biological Staining

  • Applied in electron microscopy to stain lipids and membranes

  • Provides high-contrast imaging for cellular and tissue samples


Catalysis

  • Serves as a catalyst for oxidation reactions in fine chemical synthesis

  • Supports industrial and laboratory-scale catalytic processes


Laboratory Research

  • Utilized in academic and pharmaceutical research

  • Key reagent for organic transformations and analytical studies


Safety & Handling Guidelines

  • Extremely toxic and volatile; handle in a fume hood with full PPE

  • Avoid inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact

  • Store in tightly sealed, dark containers at low temperature

  • Keep away from reducing agents and combustible materials

  • Consult MSDS for full hazard, first-aid, and emergency measures


Where to Buy Osmium Tetroxide?

Osmium Tetroxide Manufacturer

Produced in high-purity laboratory and research-grade quality suitable for organic synthesis, microscopy, and catalysis.


Osmium Tetroxide Supplier & Exporter

ChemicalBull supplies OsO₄ with:

  • COA & MSDS documentation

  • Laboratory-scale and bulk packaging

  • Export-ready, compliant shipment


Osmium Tetroxide MSDS 

  • Physical & chemical properties

  • Toxicity, PPE, and handling guidelines

  • Storage and reactivity information


Explore:

  • Ruthenium Tetroxide

  • Potassium Permanganate

  • Osmium Dioxide

  • Palladium Chloride

  • Silver Nitrate


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. What is Osmium Tetroxide used for?

    It is used as an oxidizing agent in organic synthesis, a staining reagent in electron microscopy, and a catalyst in chemical reactions.

  2. Is OsO₄ safe to handle?

    No, it is extremely toxic and volatile; strict PPE and fume hood use are mandatory.

  3. Do you supply bulk Osmium Tetroxide?

    Yes, ChemicalBull supplies high-purity laboratory-grade and research-grade OsO₄ with COA & MSDS.

  4. Can it be used for microscopy staining?

    Absolutely, it is commonly used to stain lipids and cellular membranes for electron microscopy.

  5. How should Osmium Tetroxide be stored?

    Store in dark, tightly sealed containers at low temperatures, away from reducing agents and combustible materials.