Yttrium (Y): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Yttrium (Y): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Electron configuration [Kr] 5s2 4d1 · group 3 · period 5 · Ar 88.906
Yttrium data
- Atomic number
- 39
- Relative atomic mass
- 88.906
- Group
- 3
- Period
- 5
- Block
- d
- Category
- Transition metal
- Electron configuration
- [Kr] 5s2 4d1
- Full configuration
- 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d1
- Electrons per shell
- 2, 8, 18, 9, 2 (K L M N O)
- Valence electrons
- 3
- Electronegativity (Pauling)
- 1.22
- First ionisation energy
- 6.217 eV
- Atomic radius (van der Waals)
- 219 pm
- State at room temperature
- Solid
- Melting point
- 1522 °C
- Boiling point
- 3345 °C
- Density
- 4.47 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states
- +3
- Discovered
- 1794
Source: PubChem (NIH, accessed 13 Nov 2026); atomic mass: IUPAC standard atomic weight.
Electron shell diagram
K 2 · L 8 · M 18 · N 9 · O 2
Orbital diagram (outer electrons)
About yttrium
Yttrium is a chemical element with the symbol Y and atomic number 39. It is a transition metal in group 3, period 5, d-block. The element was discovered in 1794. Yttrium is a solid at room temperature, melting at 1522 °C and boiling at 3345 °C.
Yttrium electron configuration
The electron configuration of yttrium is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d1, or in short [Kr] 5s2 4d1. Its electrons occupy 5 shells: K = 2, L = 8, M = 18, N = 9, O = 2. For transition metals, valence electrons are counted from the 5s and 4d subshells: 2 + 1 = 3, matching group 3. When it forms cations, electrons leave the outermost subshell first: Y3+ = [Kr] (like krypton).
Filling order: 1s2(2) → 2s2(4) → 2p6(10) → 3s2(12) → 3p6(18) → 4s2(20) → 3d10(30) → 4p6(36) → 5s2(38) → 4d1(39)
Uses of yttrium
The main uses of yttrium include phosphors for white LEDs and displays, Nd:YAG lasers and YBCO superconductors. For research and analysis you can browse yttrium compounds in the AMI Scientific catalogue.
Safety
As a solid metal, yttrium is not especially hazardous. Fine powder can burn, and its compounds should be handled according to their SDS. Always read the safety data sheet (SDS) before working with a chemical.
Other elements in group 3
Frequently asked questions
What is the electron configuration of yttrium?
The electron configuration of yttrium (Y, atomic number 39) is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d1, or [Kr] 5s2 4d1 in short. By shell: 2, 8, 18, 9, 2.
How many valence electrons does yttrium have?
Yttrium has 3 valence electrons.
Which group and period is yttrium in?
Yttrium is in group 3, period 5, d-block.
What is the atomic mass of yttrium?
The relative atomic mass of yttrium is 88.906. Use it to calculate molar mass with the molar mass calculator.
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