58
Ce
Cerium
140.116
Cerium (Ce)
LanthanidePeriod 6f-block-block
Cerium is a chemical element with symbol Ce and atomic number 58. It is a soft, silvery, ductile metal which easily oxidizes in air. Cerium was named after the dwarf planet Ceres (itself named after the Roman goddess of agriculture).
Latin name: Cerium
Atomic Number
58
Atomic Mass
140.116 g/mol
Phase (STP)
Solid
Electron Config.
[Xe] 4f¹ 5d¹ 6s²
General
SymbolCe
Atomic Number58
Atomic Mass140.116 g/mol
CategoryLanthanide
Period6
Blockf-block
Electron Configuration[Xe] 4f¹ 5d¹ 6s²
Valence Electrons4
Coloursilvery-white metallic
Appearancesilvery white
CAS NumberCAS7440-45-1
Physical Properties
Phase (STP)Solid
Density6.77 g/cm³
Melting Point797.85°C · 1468.13°F · 1071.00 K
Boiling Point3423.85°C · 6194.93°F · 3697.00 K
Atomic Properties
Atomic Radius235 pm
Electronegativity1.12 Pauling
Ionization Energy534 kJ/mol
Oxidation States+4, +3
Ion ChargeCe3+/Ce4+
Thermodynamic
Molar Heat26.94 J/(mol·K)
Crystal Structure
Crystal Structureface-centered cubic
Mechanical Properties
Mohs Hardness2.5
Nuclear & Hazards
Half-lifestable
Abundance
In Universe0.00006999999999999999%
In Sun0.00005999999999999999%
In Earth's Crust0.6000%
In Meteorites0.0003%
Discovery & History
Discovery Year1803
Discovered ByJöns Jakob Berzelius, Wilhelm Hisinger
Country of DiscoverySweden
Isotopes of Cerium
| Isotope | Abundance | Half-life | Decay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ce-136 | 0.186% | Stable | — |
| Ce-138 | 0.251% | Stable | — |
| Ce-140 | 88.45% | Stable | — |
| Ce-142 | 11.114% | Stable | — |