54XeXenon131.2936[Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p⁶
noble gas

Xenon

Xenon is a chemical element with symbol Xe and atomic number 54. It is a colorless, dense, odorless noble gas, that occurs in the Earth's atmosphere in trace amounts. Although generally unreactive, xenon can undergo a few chemical reactions such as the formation of xenon hexafluoroplatinate, the first noble gas compound to be synthesized.

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
5p6

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

Properties

At a glance

Atomic number
54
Atomic mass
131.2936 u
Phase
Gas
Density
5.894 g/L
Melting point
161.4 K
Boiling point
165.051 K
First ionization energy
1,170.4 kJ/mol
Electronegativity
2.6
Electron affinity
-77 kJ/mol
Molar heat capacity
Unavailable
Period
5
Appearance
colorless gas, exhibiting a blue glow when placed in a high voltage electric field

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.