Rhenium (Re)
Rhenium is element 75, a transition metal in period 6, group 7 of the periodic table. At room temperature it is a solid.
Electron configuration [Xe] 4f14 5d5 6s2
Electrons per shell 2, 8, 18, 32, 13, 2
Rhenium data
| Atomic number | 75 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Re |
| Atomic mass | 186.207 u |
| Category | Transition metal |
| Group | 7 |
| Period | 6 |
| Block | d |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 3459 K (3185.9 °C) |
| Boiling point | 5869 K (5595.9 °C) |
| Density | 21.02 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.9 |
| Atomic radius | 159 pm |
| 1st ionization energy | 760 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | -15 kJ/mol |
| Oxidation states | -3, -1, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5, +6, +7 |
| Common ion charge | 7+ |
| Discovered | 1925 |
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 rhenium’s configuration and its ions →
Where rhenium sits
Rhenium belongs to the transition metals. Its Pauling electronegativity of 1.9 is mid-range; see the electronegativity chart and periodic trends for context. To use its mass in a calculation, try the molar mass calculator.
Rhenium FAQ
What is the electron configuration of rhenium?
Rhenium (Z = 75) has the configuration 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 5s2 5p6 4f14 5d5 6s2. In noble-gas shorthand that is [Xe] 4f14 5d5 6s2.
How many valence electrons does rhenium have?
7 (2 outer s + 5 d electrons; 2 in the outermost shell).
What is the atomic mass of rhenium?
The standard atomic weight of rhenium is 186.207 u, so one mole weighs 186.207 g.
Is rhenium a metal?
Yes. Rhenium is a transition metal.
What is the charge of a rhenium ion?
Rhenium most commonly forms Re7+.