Hassium (Hs)
Transition metal · d-block · period 7 · group 8
A few atoms; predicted to be one of the densest elements of all.
Hassium (symbol Hs) is chemical element number 108, a transition metal in group 8, period 7 of the periodic table. Its standard atomic weight is (269) and its electron configuration is [Rn] 5f14 6d6 7s2. Its state at room temperature is unknown, and it is radioactive. Named after the German state of Hesse.
Properties
| Atomic number | 108 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | (269) |
| Category | Transition metal |
| Block | d-block |
| Group · Period | 8 · 7 |
| Electron configuration | [Rn] 5f14 6d6 7s2 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 32, 32, 14, 2 |
| State at 25 °C | unknown |
| Melting point | — |
| Boiling point | — |
| Density | — |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | — |
| Radioactive | Yes — no stable isotope |
| Origin | synthetic |
| Discovered | 1984 · GSI Darmstadt |
Key facts about Hassium
- Named after the German state of Hesse.
- Chemists made hassium tetroxide and confirmed it behaves like osmium — chemistry with just a few atoms.
- Predicted density around 41 g/cm3, roughly twice that of osmium.
- Longest-lived isotope lasts about ten seconds.
What Hassium is used for
None — research only.
Where it sits in the periodic table
Hassium is in group 8, period 7, of the d-block. Its electron configuration [Rn] 5f14 6d6 7s2 means its outermost shell holds 2 electrons, which is what places it here and explains much of its chemistry. See Hassium on the interactive table →
Hassium — frequently asked questions
What is Hassium used for?
None — research only.
Is Hassium radioactive?
Yes. Hassium has no stable isotope, so every form of it is radioactive.
What is the electron configuration of Hassium?
Hassium has the electron configuration [Rn] 5f14 6d6 7s2, which is 2, 8, 18, 32, 32, 14, 2 electrons per shell.
What group and period is Hassium in?
Hassium is in group 8, period 7, in the d-block. Its outer shell holds 2 electrons.
Who discovered Hassium?
Hassium was discovered in 1984 by GSI Darmstadt.