Rhenium (Re)
Rhenium (Re) is element 75, a transition metal. Atomic mass 186.207, configuration [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d⁵ 6s². Properties, isotopes, oxidation states, uses and history, with an interactive 3D atom model.
Key facts
| Atomic number | 75 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Re |
| Standard atomic weight | 186.207(1) |
| Category | Transition Metal |
| Group | 7 |
| Period | 6 |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d⁵ 6s² |
| Valence electrons | 2 (Variable) |
| Common oxidation states | +4, +7 |
| Common ions | No common ions |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.9 |
| First ionization energy | 760 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | 14.47 kJ/mol |
| Atomic radius | 135 pm |
| Density | 20.8 g/cm³ |
| Melting point | 3190°C |
| Boiling point | 5596°C |
| Specific heat | 0.137 J/(g·°C) |
Natural isotopes
- Re-185: Stable
- Re-187: Radioactive
Common uses
- Jet engine turbine blades
- Thermocouples
- Catalysts
Where it matters
- Aerospace (Jet engine superalloys)
Hazards
- Low toxicity
History
| Discovered | 1925 |
|---|---|
| Discovered by | Walter Noddack, Ida Tacke, Otto Berg |
| Name | From Rhenus (Rhine River) |