Radon (Rn)

Atomic Number86
Atomic Mass222 u
CategoryNoble gas
Electron Config[Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p⁶
Appearancecolorless gas, occasionally glows green or red in discharge tubes
Density (STP)9.73 g/L
Melting Point202 K
Boiling Point211.5 K
Electronegativity2.2 (Pauling)
Ionization Energy1037 kJ/mol
Atomic Radius120 pm
Crystal StructureFace-centered Cubic
Discovered ByFriedrich Ernst Dorn (1900)

Brief Introduction

Radon (Rn) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, radioactive noble gas. It is formed by the radioactive decay of radium. Key details about Radon (Rn) are as follows:

Uses: Historically used in cancer treatment (radiotherapy) and for leak detection. Used in hydrology to track groundwater movement. Main application today is incidental: as a health hazard to be mitigated.

Production/Extraction: Produced naturally from the decay of uranium and radium in soil and rocks. Can be isolated from gases emanating from radium compounds.

History: Discovered in 1900 by Friedrich Ernst Dorn. Named niton originally; renamed radon in 1923 due to its origin from radium.

Health Effects & Safety: Significant health hazard. Radon accumulation in buildings (from soil/rock foundation) is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Alpha emitter.

Price/Market: Not a commercial product in the traditional sense. Calibration standards are sold for scientific use.

Properties: Colorless noble gas, radioactive, densest gas at standard conditions, chemically inert forming only a few fluorides, soluble in water and organic solvents.

← Astatine (At) · Francium (Fr) →

Periodic Table