Promethium
Lanthanide · atomic number 61
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PmPromethium
Promethium, originally prometheum, is a chemical element with the symbol Pm and atomic number 61. All of its isotopes are radioactive; it is one of only two such elements that are followed in the periodic table by elements with stable forms, a distinction shared with technetium. Chemically, promethium is a lanthanide, which forms salts when combined with other elements.
Properties of Promethium
| Element category | Lanthanide |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 61 |
| Atomic mass | 145 u |
| Phase at STP | Solid |
| Group | 3 |
| Period | 6 |
| Block | f |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f5 6s2 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 23, 8, 2 |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.13 |
| Melting point | 1315 K (1042 °C) |
| Boiling point | 3273 K (3000 °C) |
| Density | 7.26 g/cm3 |
| Discovered by | Chien Shiung Wu |
| Named by | Isotopes of promethium |
← Neodymium · Periodic table · Samarium → Sm
About the lanthanide group
The rare-earth “inner transition” metals that give strong permanent magnets, screen phosphors and catalyst polish.
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