61PmPromethium145[Xe] 4f⁵ 6s²
lanthanide

Promethium

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.

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
4f5
6s2

54 is the [Xe] core total across five shells.

Properties

At a glance

Atomic number
61
Atomic mass
145 u
Phase
Solid
Density
7.26 g/cm³
Melting point
1,315 K
Boiling point
3,273 K
First ionization energy
540 kJ/mol
Electronegativity
1.13
Electron affinity
12.45 kJ/mol
Molar heat capacity
Unavailable
Period
6
Appearance
metallic

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.