Praseodymium (Pr)
Lanthanide · f-block · period 6
Soft, silvery, malleable metal; forms a green oxide coating.
Praseodymium (symbol Pr) is chemical element number 59, a lanthanide in the lanthanide series (f-block), period 6 of the periodic table. Its standard atomic weight is 140.91 and its electron configuration is [Xe] 4f3 6s2. At room temperature it is a solid. Its name means 'green twin', from its green salts.
Properties
| Atomic number | 59 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 140.91 |
| Category | Lanthanide |
| Block | f-block |
| Group · Period | f-block series · 6 |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f3 6s2 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 21, 8, 2 |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 1208 K |
| Boiling point | 3403 K |
| Density | 6.77 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.13 |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | primordial |
| Discovered | 1885 · Carl Auer von Welsbach |
Key facts about Praseodymium
- Its name means 'green twin', from its green salts.
- Welder's and glassblower's goggles use praseodymium glass to block the yellow glare.
- Mixed with neodymium it makes very strong permanent magnets.
- Gives a clean yellow-green colour to glass and enamel.
What Praseodymium is used for
Welding goggles, powerful magnets, aircraft-engine alloys, yellow glass and ceramic colours, carbon-arc lamps.
Where it sits in the periodic table
Praseodymium is in the lanthanide series, period 6, of the f-block. Its electron configuration [Xe] 4f3 6s2 means its outermost shell holds 2 electrons, which is what places it here and explains much of its chemistry. See Praseodymium on the interactive table →
Praseodymium — frequently asked questions
What is Praseodymium used for?
Welding goggles, powerful magnets, aircraft-engine alloys, yellow glass and ceramic colours, carbon-arc lamps.
Is Praseodymium radioactive?
No. Praseodymium has at least one stable isotope and is not radioactive.
What is the electron configuration of Praseodymium?
Praseodymium has the electron configuration [Xe] 4f3 6s2, which is 2, 8, 18, 21, 8, 2 electrons per shell.
What group and period is Praseodymium in?
Praseodymium is in the lanthanide series (f-block), period 6, in the f-block. Its outer shell holds 2 electrons.
Who discovered Praseodymium?
Praseodymium was discovered in 1885 by Carl Auer von Welsbach.