81TlThallium204.38[Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p¹
post-transition metal

Thallium

Thallium is a chemical element with symbol Tl and atomic number 81. This soft gray post-transition metal is not found free in nature. When isolated, it resembles tin, but discolors when exposed to air.

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
4f14
5d10
6s2
6p1

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

Properties

At a glance

Atomic number
81
Atomic mass
204.38 u
Phase
Solid
Density
11.85 g/cm³
Melting point
577 K
Boiling point
1,746 K
First ionization energy
589.4 kJ/mol
Electronegativity
1.62
Electron affinity
36.4 kJ/mol
Molar heat capacity
26.32 J/(mol·K)
Period
6
Appearance
silvery white

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.