Name:  Yttrium

Atomic Symbol and Mass Number: Y [39]

Electron Configuration: [Kr] 4d  5s

Atomic Radii: 240 pm

Electron Affinity: 29.6 kJ mol-1

Oxidation states:+3,+2,+1

Electronegativity value: 1.22

Elemental Group: Transition Metal

Uses and properties:

• Soft, silvery metal

• Usually exists as a trivalent ion, Y3+, in its compounds

• One of the rare earth elements

• Relatively stable in air with its oxide film

• Found content in lunar soil samples

• Exceptionally high affinity with oxygen

• Increases the strength of aluminium and magnesium alloys

• Deoxidizer for non-ferrous metals

• Catalyst in ethylene polymerization

• Its radioactive isotope is used in treatments for various cancers

• Used to make the superconductor YBCO (yttrium barium copper oxide)

• Oxide is used to make yttrium iron garnets for microwave filters

• Used to produce phosphors, which provide the red color in color television tubes

 

Lewis diagram: