Atomic number 48
Cadmium
Transition metal
In the real world
Quick facts
- Atomic mass
- 112.41
- Group
- 12
- Period
- 5
- State (STP)
- solid
- Electronegativity
- 1.69
- Common ox. states
- +2
Properties
Electron configuration
[Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s²
- Ionization energy
- 867.8 kJ/mol
- Electron affinity
- -68.0 kJ/mol
- Melting point
- 594.22 K (321.1 °C)
- Boiling point
- 1040.00 K (766.9 °C)
How dangerous is it?
3/5 · Hazardous
A soft metal once common in batteries and pigments. Its real danger is slow: it builds up in the kidneys and bones over years.
- ToxicBuilds up over time
Long exposure to its dust or fumes damages the kidneys and weakens bones. (the dust, fumes, and compounds)
Used with dust and fume capture and respiratory protection, kept out of food.
How it bonds
Cadmium parallels zinc - filled d shell, only +2 oxidation state. Notoriously toxic (it displaces zinc in critical enzymes). Used in NiCd rechargeable batteries (now mostly phased out) and as the yellow / red pigment in old paint (cadmium yellow, cadmium red).
