Yttrium (Y)
Yttrium is element 39, a transition metal in period 5, group 3 of the periodic table. At room temperature it is a solid.
Electron configuration [Kr] 4d1 5s2
Electrons per shell 2, 8, 18, 9, 2
Yttrium data
| Atomic number | 39 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Y |
| Atomic mass | 88.906 u |
| Category | Transition metal |
| Group | 3 |
| Period | 5 |
| Block | d |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 1799 K (1525.9 °C) |
| Boiling point | 3618 K (3344.9 °C) |
| Density | 4.472 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.22 |
| Atomic radius | 162 pm |
| 1st ionization energy | 600 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | -30 kJ/mol |
| Oxidation states | +1, +2, +3 |
| Common ion charge | 3+ |
| Discovered | 1794 |
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 yttrium’s configuration and its ions →
Where yttrium sits
Yttrium belongs to the transition metals. Its Pauling electronegativity of 1.22 is mid-range; see the electronegativity chart and periodic trends for context. To use its mass in a calculation, try the molar mass calculator.
Yttrium FAQ
What is the electron configuration of yttrium?
Yttrium (Z = 39) has the configuration 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d1 5s2. In noble-gas shorthand that is [Kr] 4d1 5s2.
How many valence electrons does yttrium have?
3 (2 outer s + 1 d electrons; 2 in the outermost shell).
What is the atomic mass of yttrium?
The standard atomic weight of yttrium is 88.906 u, so one mole weighs 88.906 g.
Is yttrium a metal?
Yes. Yttrium is a transition metal.
What is the charge of a yttrium ion?
Yttrium most commonly forms Y3+.