Atomic number 39
Yttrium
Transition metal
In the real world
Quick facts
- Atomic mass
- 88.906
- Group
- 3
- Period
- 5
- State (STP)
- solid
- Electronegativity
- 1.22
- Common ox. states
- +3
Properties
Electron configuration
[Kr] 4d¹ 5s²
- Ionization energy
- 600.0 kJ/mol
- Electron affinity
- 29.6 kJ/mol
- Melting point
- 1799.00 K (1525.8 °C)
- Boiling point
- 3618.00 K (3344.8 °C)
How dangerous is it?
1/5 · Low risk
A silvery metal that is safe to hold as a solid. Its only real caution is that fine yttrium powder can burn.
- FlammableImmediate
As a fine powder it can ignite in air, though a solid piece does not. (as a fine powder, not the solid)
The powder is kept away from heat and sparks; the bulk metal needs no special care.
How it bonds
Yttrium loses three electrons to form Y³⁺ - its only common oxidation state. Used in YBa₂Cu₃O₇, the first 'high-temperature' superconductor (operates above liquid-nitrogen temperatures).
