The three members of the second and third transition series immediately preceding silver and gold: ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), and palladium (Pd); and osmium (Os), iridium (Ir), and platinum (Pt). These elements, together with iron, cobalt, and nickel, were formerly classed as group VIII of the periodic table. The platinum-group metals are relatively hard and resistant to corrosion and are used in jewellery and in some industrial applications (e.g. electrical contacts). They have certain chemical similarities that justify classifying them together. All are resistant to chemical attack. In solution they form a vast range of complex ions. They also form coordination compounds with carbon monoxide and other pi-bonding ligands. A number of complexes can be made in which a hydrogen atom is linked directly to the metal. The metals and their organic compounds have considerable catalytic activity. See also transition elements.