Atomic number 66
Dysprosium
Lanthanide
In the real world
Quick facts
- Atomic mass
- 162.50
- Group
- –
- Period
- 6
- State (STP)
- solid
- Electronegativity
- 1.22
- Common ox. states
- +3
Properties
Electron configuration
[Xe] 4f¹⁰ 6s²
- Ionization energy
- 573.0 kJ/mol
- Electron affinity
- 50.0 kJ/mol
- Melting point
- 1680.00 K (1406.8 °C)
- Boiling point
- 2840.00 K (2566.8 °C)
How dangerous is it?
1/5 · Low risk
Added to neodymium magnets so they keep their pull when things get hot, like inside an electric motor. A low-toxicity metal with the familiar powder caution.
- FlammableImmediate
Dysprosium filings ignite readily in air, especially when warm; the solid does not. (as filings or powder, not the solid)
Keep shavings away from heat and flame; the solid metal handles safely.
How it bonds· family overview
Dysprosium (Dy) is a lanthanide - a soft, silvery metal that almost always loses 3 electrons to form a +3 ion (Ln³⁺). Its 4f electrons sit deep below the valence shell, so chemistry across the lanthanide row is remarkably similar: oxide, fluoride, chloride salts, all in the +3 state.
