Tin (Sn)
Tin is element 50, a post-transition metal in period 5, group 14 of the periodic table. At room temperature it is a solid.
Electron configuration [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p2
Electrons per shell 2, 8, 18, 18, 4
Tin data
| Atomic number | 50 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Sn |
| Atomic mass | 118.71 u |
| Category | Post-transition metal |
| Group | 14 |
| Period | 5 |
| Block | p |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 505 K (231.9 °C) |
| Boiling point | 2875 K (2601.9 °C) |
| Density | 7.31 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.96 |
| Atomic radius | 141 pm |
| 1st ionization energy | 709 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | -107 kJ/mol |
| Oxidation states | -4, +2, +4 |
| Common ion charge | 2+, 4+ |
| Discovered | Known since antiquity |
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 tin’s configuration and its ions →
Where tin sits
Tin belongs to the post-transition metals. Its Pauling electronegativity of 1.96 is mid-range; see the electronegativity chart and periodic trends for context. To use its mass in a calculation, try the molar mass calculator.
Tin FAQ
What is the electron configuration of tin?
Tin (Z = 50) has the configuration 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 5s2 5p2. In noble-gas shorthand that is [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p2.
How many valence electrons does tin have?
4 (outer shell (n = 5)).
What is the atomic mass of tin?
The standard atomic weight of tin is 118.71 u, so one mole weighs 118.71 g.
Is tin a metal?
Yes. Tin is a post-transition metal.
What is the charge of a tin ion?
Tin most commonly forms Sn2+ or Sn4+.