Atomic number 59
Praseodymium
Lanthanide
In the real world
Quick facts
- Atomic mass
- 140.91
- Group
- –
- Period
- 6
- State (STP)
- solid
- Electronegativity
- 1.13
- Common ox. states
- +3
Properties
Electron configuration
[Xe] 4f³ 6s²
- Ionization energy
- 527.0 kJ/mol
- Electron affinity
- 50.0 kJ/mol
- Melting point
- 1208.00 K (934.9 °C)
- Boiling point
- 3793.00 K (3519.8 °C)
How dangerous is it?
1/5 · Low risk
A silvery metal whose salts glow a soft green, used in welder goggles and strong magnet alloys. Low toxicity, with the usual reactive-powder caution.
- FlammableImmediate
Powdered praseodymium can burn in air; the solid develops only a slow oxide coating. (as filings or powder, not the solid)
Keep filings clear of ignition sources; the bulk metal needs no special care.
How it bonds· family overview
Praseodymium (Pr) 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.
