Yttrium
transition metal · period 5 · group 3 · d-block
Yttrium is a chemical element with the symbol Y and atomic number 39. It is a silvery-metallic transition metal chemically similar to the lanthanides and has often been classified as a "rare-earth element".
What the numbers say
At standard temperature and pressure Yttrium is a solid, sitting in period 5, group 3 of the d-block.
Its melting point of 1799 K (1526 °C) is the 30th highest of the 110 elements with a measured value — mid-range among the elements.
At 4.472 g/cm³ it is the 67th densest of 96 elements with a quoted density.
Pauling electronegativity is 1.22. Paired with oxygen (3.44) that is a difference of 2.22, which puts the bond predominantly ionic — expect a stable oxide ceramic.
In the solid state it takes a simple hexagonal structure — hexagonal packing offers few easy slip systems, so properties are anisotropic and formability is limited.
It is reported in 3 oxidation states (1, 2, 3), which sets how many distinct compounds and phases it can form.
First identified in 1794.
Crystal structure
Solid Yttrium adopts a Simple Hexagonal arrangement, in the Hexagonal system — axes a = b ≠ c, angles α = β = 90°, γ = 120°. Symmetry controls the anisotropy of stiffness and thermal expansion, and the available slip systems set how far the metal deforms before it fractures.
Check it against computed structures
The structure search queries the Materials Project, OQMD and the Open Materials Database for computed crystal structures containing Y — with DFT formation energy, hull stability and band gap where the provider publishes them.
K 2 · L 8 · M 18 · N 9 · O 2
Properties
| Atomic number | 39 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 88.905842 u |
| Series | transition metal |
| Group | 3 |
| Period | 5 |
| Block | d-block |
| Phase at STP | Solid |
| Density | 4.472 g/cm³ |
| Melting point | 1799 K (1526 °C) |
| Boiling point | 3203 K (2930 °C) |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.22 |
| Electron configuration | [Kr] 4d¹ 5s² |
| Crystal structure | Simple Hexagonal |
| Oxidation states | 1,2,3 |
| Discovered | 1794 |
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See Y in context with all 118 elements.
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