What is "palladium black"

n. 1 A coarse, sponge-like form of elemental palladium that offers a large surface area for hydrogen adsorption and can be used as a catalyst for hydrogenation reactions. 2 A black precipitate of elemental palladium, which forms on decomposition of palladium complexes.

Palladium black is a coarse, sponge-like form of elemental palladium which offers a large surface area for catalytic activity. It is used in organic synthesis as a catalyst for hydrogenation reactions.

The term palladium black is also used colloquially to refer to a black precipitate of elemental palladium, which forms via decomposition of various palladium complexes.