53IIodine126.904

Iodine is element 53, a halogen in period 5, group 17 of the periodic table. At room temperature it is a solid.

Electron configuration [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p5

Electrons per shell 2, 8, 18, 18, 7

I

Iodine data

Atomic number53
SymbolI
Atomic mass126.904 u
CategoryHalogen
Group17
Period5
Blockp
State at 25 °Csolid
Melting point387 K (113.9 °C)
Boiling point457 K (183.9 °C)
Density4.94 g/cm³
Electronegativity (Pauling)2.66
Atomic radius133 pm
1st ionization energy1008 kJ/mol
Electron affinity-295 kJ/mol
Oxidation states-1, +1, +3, +5, +7
Common ion charge−
Discovered1811

Orbital diagram

Each box is one orbital holding up to two electrons of opposite spin. Following Hund’s rule, electrons spread out singly across a subshell before pairing.

Work through iodine’s configuration and its ions →

Where iodine sits

Iodine belongs to the halogens. Its Pauling electronegativity of 2.66 is mid-range; see the electronegativity chart and periodic trends for context. To use its mass in a calculation, try the molar mass calculator.

Iodine FAQ

What is the electron configuration of iodine?

Iodine (Z = 53) has the configuration 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 5s2 5p5. In noble-gas shorthand that is [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p5.

How many valence electrons does iodine have?

7 (outer shell (n = 5)).

What is the atomic mass of iodine?

The standard atomic weight of iodine is 126.904 u, so one mole weighs 126.904 g.

Is iodine a metal?

No. Iodine is a halogen.

What is the charge of a iodine ion?

Iodine most commonly forms I−.