Cerium (Ce)

Cerium (Ce) is element 58, a lanthanide. Atomic mass 140.116, configuration [Xe] 4f¹ 5d¹ 6s². Properties, isotopes, oxidation states, uses and history, with an interactive 3D atom model.

Open Cerium in the interactive periodic table

Key facts

Atomic number58
SymbolCe
Standard atomic weight140.116(1)
CategoryLanthanide
Period6
State at room temperatureSolid
Electron configuration[Xe] 4f¹ 5d¹ 6s²
Valence electrons2 (Variable)
Common oxidation states+3, +4
Common ionsNo common ions
Electronegativity (Pauling)1.12
First ionization energy534 kJ/mol
Electron affinity62.72 kJ/mol
Atomic radius185 pm
Density6.77 g/cm³
Melting point797°C
Boiling point3424°C
Specific heat0.192 J/(g·°C)

Natural isotopes

Common uses

Where it matters

Hazards

History

Discovered1803
Discovered byMartin Heinrich Klaproth, Jöns Jakob Berzelius
NameFrom asteroid Ceres