Flerovium
Flerovium (Fl, atomic number 114) is a Period 7 post-transition (p-block, 289 u). Lies near the predicted 'Island of Nuclear Stability' (Z = 114, N = 184). Relativistic spin-orbit splitting closes the 7p₁/₂² subshell, making Flerovium remarkably weak
Flerovium is a chemical element on the periodic table with the atomic symbol Fl, atomic number 114, and standard atomic weight 289 u. Classified as a Post-Transition within Group 14 and Period 7 (p-block), flerovium possesses a ground-state electron configuration of [Rn] 5f14 6d10 7s2 7p2 distributed across 7 concentric Bohr electron shells (2 · 8 · 18 · 32 · 32 · 18 · 4) with 4 outer-shell electrons. Lies near the predicted 'Island of Nuclear Stability' (Z = 114, N = 184). Relativistic spin-orbit splitting closes the 7p₁/₂² subshell, making Flerovium remarkably weakly reactive and volatile.
⚛️ Interactive Periodic Table Lab: Explore Flerovium (Fl, Z = 114) in the CRV Science Dynamic Periodic Table & Bohr Orbital Lab to visualize its animated 2 · 8 · 18 · 32 · 32 · 18 · 4 electron shells, simulate live phase transitions from 0 K to 6,000 K, and compare periodic heatmaps across all 118 IUPAC elements.
Atomic Structure and Periodic Trends: How Do Quantum Orbitals Define Flerovium?
Electron Shell Architecture and Ground-State Configuration
A neutral atom of flerovium contains 114 protons in its atomic nucleus balanced by 114 electrons occupying quantized atomic orbitals. In the Bohr-Sommerfeld and quantum-mechanical orbital models, these electrons populate 7 principal energy shells (K (n=1): 2e−, L (n=2): 8e−, M (n=3): 18e−, N (n=4): 32e−, O (n=5): 32e−, P (n=6): 18e−, Q (n=7): 4e−), terminating in the directional dumbbell-shaped p-orbital (azimuthal quantum number l = 1) with ground-state configuration [Rn] 5f14 6d10 7s2 7p2. Removing the most loosely bound valence electron from an isolated gaseous flerovium atom requires a first ionization energy of 832 kJ/mol, while its tendency to attract shared bonding electrons is quantified by a Pauling electronegativity of N/A (closed-shell or superheavy regime).
Periodic Table Position and Neighboring Elements
Within the periodic table, Flerovium occupies Period 7, Group 14 of the p-block (Post-Transition Metals). Along Period 7, it is flanked by Nihonium (Nh, Z = 113) and Moscovium (Mc, Z = 115). Vertically within its periodic family, Flerovium shares valence orbital symmetry and homologous chemical trends with Tin (Sn), Lead (Pb). Learners can interactively compare Flerovium's orbital radii, ionization energy, and Pauling electronegativity against all neighboring elements in the Dynamic Periodic Table Lab.
Physical and Thermodynamic Properties: How Does Flerovium Behave Across Temperature Regimes?
Standard Phase, Melting Point, and Boiling Point Dynamics
At standard ambient temperature and pressure (298.15 K / 25 °C, 1 atm), elemental flerovium exists as a dense liquid. As thermal energy increases, its crystal or molecular lattice undergoes solid-to-liquid fusion at a melting point of 200 K (-73.15 °C / -99.7 °F) and transitions to the vapor phase at a normal boiling point of 380 K (+106.85 °C / +224.3 °F), spanning a liquid thermodynamic range of 180 K. In the CRV Science Dynamic Periodic Table, dragging the live temperature slider between absolute zero (0 K) and solar-photosphere temperatures (6,000 K) dynamically tracks Flerovium's state transitions in real time alongside enthalpy and entropy phase equilibria.
Quantitative Atomic and Thermodynamic Parameter Matrix
| Parameter | Quantitative Value / Formula | Physical / Quantum Basis | Comparative Context in Group 14 / Period 7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atomic Number & Symbol | Z = 114 (Fl) | 114 nuclear protons; nuclear charge +114e | Located in Period 7, Group 14 (p-block) |
| Standard Atomic Weight | 289 u (g/mol) | Abundance-weighted isotopic nucleon mass | ~175 neutrons in dominant/reference mass number |
| Electron Configuration | [Rn] 5f14 6d10 7s2 7p2 | Shells: 2 · 8 · 18 · 32 · 32 · 18 · 4 (4 outer-shell e−) | Post-Transition Metals valence orbital architecture |
| Electronegativity & Ionization | χ = N/A; IE1 = 832 kJ/mol | Pauling bond polarity scale & first valence ionization enthalpy | Governs covalent vs. ionic bond character |
| Melting & Boiling Points | MP: 200 K; BP: 380 K | Cohesive lattice energy and intermolecular forces | STP (298 K) phase: LIQUID (Liquid range: 180 K) |
| Principal Oxidation States | +2, 0 | Valence electron donation, sharing, or acceptance | Discovered / First Isolated: 1999 |
Chemical Reactivity, Bonding, and Oxidation States: How Does Flerovium Form Compounds?
Characteristic Oxidation States and Coordination Chemistry
As a p-block post-transition metal situated to the right of the d-block, its valence electrons experience incomplete nuclear shielding from filled d (and in Period 6–7, f) subshells, resulting in higher electronegativity, softer metallic lattices, and the relativistic inert-pair effect. In chemical compounds, flerovium exhibits characteristic oxidation states of +2, 0. Depending on the electronegativity difference (Δχ) of its bonding partners—such as Oxygen (χ = 3.44), Fluorine (χ = 3.98), Chlorine (χ = 3.16), Nitrogen (χ = 3.04), Carbon (χ = 2.55), or Hydrogen (χ = 2.20)—flerovium forms redox-specific oxides, halides, hydrides, or coordination complexes governed by Gibbs free energy (ΔG = ΔH − TΔS).
Nucleosynthesis, Discovery History, and Elemental Origins
First identified or isolated in 1999, Flerovium carries a distinct cosmological and geochemical signature. As a synthetic transuranic element (Z = 114), flerovium does not persist in primordial terrestrial minerals and is produced atom-by-atom in nuclear reactors or heavy-ion particle accelerators.
Biological Role and Scientific Applications: Why Is Flerovium Important in Nature and Technology?
Biochemical Classification: Abiotic / Technological / Synthetic
In comparative biochemistry and systems physiology, Flerovium is classified as Abiotic / Technological / Synthetic. No known essential biological role; important in planetary geochemistry, astrophysics, materials science, or nuclear physics. Across terrestrial and marine ecosystems, its chemical speciation interacts with thermodynamics, enthalpy, entropy, chemistry.
Key Mechanistic Functions and Technological Uses
Lies near the predicted 'Island of Nuclear Stability' (Z = 114, N = 184). Relativistic spin-orbit splitting closes the 7p₁/₂² subshell, making Flerovium remarkably weakly reactive and volatile. Researchers and students can further investigate Flerovium's functional role alongside all 118 elements by launching the Interactive Periodic Table & Element Detective Lab on CRV Science Learn.
Frequently Asked Scientific Questions
What is the electron configuration and valence shell structure of Flerovium (Fl)?
Flerovium (atomic number Z = 114) has the ground-state electron configuration [Rn] 5f14 6d10 7s2 7p2, distributing its 114 electrons across 7 shells as 2 · 8 · 18 · 32 · 32 · 18 · 4. Its outermost shell contains 4 electrons, placing Flerovium in Group 14, Period 7 (p-block) as a member of the Post-Transition Metals. You can watch these 114 electrons orbit the nucleus in real time in the Dynamic Periodic Table Bohr Lab.
What phase of matter is Flerovium at room temperature, and when does it melt or boil?
At standard room temperature (298 K / 25 °C) and 1 atm pressure, Flerovium is a dense liquid. It melts at 200 K (-73.15 °C / -99.7 °F) and boils at 380 K (+106.85 °C / +224.3 °F). Using the 0–6,000 K temperature slider in the Interactive Periodic Table, you can observe Flerovium's exact solid, liquid, and gas transitions relative to all other elements.
How does Flerovium function in biochemistry, materials science, and technology?
Lies near the predicted 'Island of Nuclear Stability' (Z = 114, N = 184). Relativistic spin-orbit splitting closes the 7p₁/₂² subshell, making Flerovium remarkably weakly reactive and volatile. In biological systems, it is categorized under Abiotic / Technological / Synthetic, with principal oxidation states of +2, 0 and a first ionization energy of 832 kJ/mol.