53IIodine126.904473[Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p⁵
diatomic nonmetal

Iodine

Iodine is a chemical element with symbol I and atomic number 53. The name is from Greek ἰοειδής ioeidēs, meaning violet or purple, due to the color of iodine vapor. Iodine and its compounds are primarily used in nutrition, and industrially in the production of acetic acid and certain polymers.

Electronic structure

A stylized shell model. Electrons are quantum objects, not particles following these literal paths. Sizes and motion are illustrative.

Electrons by shell
Electron configuration
4d10
5s2
5p5

36 is the [Kr] core total across four shells.

Properties

At a glance

Atomic number
53
Atomic mass
126.904473 u
Phase
Solid
Density
4.933 g/cm³
Melting point
386.85 K
Boiling point
457.4 K
First ionization energy
1,008.4 kJ/mol
Electronegativity
2.66
Electron affinity
295.1531 kJ/mol
Molar heat capacity
Unavailable
Period
5
Appearance
lustrous metallic gray, violet as a gas

Conditions and isotopes affect measured properties. Some properties of short-lived elements are predicted. Electronegativity uses the Pauling scale.

Keep exploring

Explore the stories, imagery, and reference data in more depth. Properties with no value in the reference are marked unavailable.