Iodine Valence Electrons
Why iodine has 7
Iodine has 53 electrons, arranged as 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 5s2 5p5. The highest shell is n = 5, holding 5s2 5p5, so 2 + 5 = 7.
Iodine is in group 17; for groups 13–18 subtract 10 from the group number.
What that means for bonding
Iodine needs 1 more electron to complete an octet, so it tends to gain one (forming I−) or share one in a single covalent bond.
Electrons per shell: 2, 8, 18, 18, 7. See the iodine electron configuration and orbital diagram or the full iodine data sheet.
Same group, same count
Iodine valence electrons FAQ
How many valence electrons does iodine have?
Iodine has 7 valence electrons. Its electron configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁶ 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p⁵, and the outermost shell (n = 5) holds 5s² + 5p⁵.
How do you find the valence electrons of iodine?
Iodine is in group 17; for groups 13–18 subtract 10 from the group number.
How many bonds does iodine form?
Iodine needs 1 more electron to complete an octet, so it tends to gain one (forming I−) or share one in a single covalent bond.
What is the Lewis dot structure of iodine?
The symbol I with 7 dots around it, one per valence electron, placed singly on each side before any side is paired.
How many core electrons does iodine have?
46: 53 electrons in total minus the 7 valence electrons.