Copernicium (Cn)
Post-transition metal · d-block · period 7 · group 12
Predicted to be a volatile liquid or gas — a metal that might not be solid at room temperature.
Copernicium (symbol Cn) is chemical element number 112, a post-transition metal in group 12, period 7 of the periodic table. Its standard atomic weight is (285) and its electron configuration is [Rn] 5f14 6d10 7s2. Its state at room temperature is unknown, and it is radioactive. Named after Nicolaus Copernicus.
Properties
| Atomic number | 112 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | (285) |
| Category | Post-transition metal |
| Block | d-block |
| Group · Period | 12 · 7 |
| Electron configuration | [Rn] 5f14 6d10 7s2 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 32, 32, 18, 2 |
| State at 25 °C | unknown |
| Melting point | — |
| Boiling point | — |
| Density | — |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | — |
| Radioactive | Yes — no stable isotope |
| Origin | synthetic |
| Discovered | 1996 · GSI Darmstadt |
Key facts about Copernicium
- Named after Nicolaus Copernicus.
- Relativity may make it behave like a noble gas or a volatile liquid metal, similar to mercury or radon.
- Experiments suggest it barely sticks to a gold surface, hinting it is very unreactive.
- Most stable isotope lasts about half a minute.
What Copernicium is used for
None — research only.
Where it sits in the periodic table
Copernicium is in group 12, period 7, of the d-block. Its electron configuration [Rn] 5f14 6d10 7s2 means its outermost shell holds 2 electrons, which is what places it here and explains much of its chemistry. See Copernicium on the interactive table →
Copernicium — frequently asked questions
What is Copernicium used for?
None — research only.
Is Copernicium radioactive?
Yes. Copernicium has no stable isotope, so every form of it is radioactive.
What is the electron configuration of Copernicium?
Copernicium has the electron configuration [Rn] 5f14 6d10 7s2, which is 2, 8, 18, 32, 32, 18, 2 electrons per shell.
What group and period is Copernicium in?
Copernicium is in group 12, period 7, in the d-block. Its outer shell holds 2 electrons.
Who discovered Copernicium?
Copernicium was discovered in 1996 by GSI Darmstadt.