Nihonium
Nihonium (Nh, atomic number 113) is a Period 7 post-transition (p-block, 286 u). First superheavy element discovered in Asia (RIKEN, Japan) via cold fusion of bismuth-209 and zinc-70 beams.
Nihonium is a chemical element on the periodic table with the atomic symbol Nh, atomic number 113, and standard atomic weight 286 u. Classified as a Post-Transition within Group 13 and Period 7 (p-block), nihonium possesses a ground-state electron configuration of [Rn] 5f14 6d10 7s2 7p1 distributed across 7 concentric Bohr electron shells (2 · 8 · 18 · 32 · 32 · 18 · 3) with 3 outer-shell electrons. First superheavy element discovered in Asia (RIKEN, Japan) via cold fusion of bismuth-209 and zinc-70 beams.
⚛️ Interactive Periodic Table Lab: Explore Nihonium (Nh, Z = 113) in the CRV Science Dynamic Periodic Table & Bohr Orbital Lab to visualize its animated 2 · 8 · 18 · 32 · 32 · 18 · 3 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 Nihonium?
Electron Shell Architecture and Ground-State Configuration
A neutral atom of nihonium contains 113 protons in its atomic nucleus balanced by 113 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): 3e−), terminating in the directional dumbbell-shaped p-orbital (azimuthal quantum number l = 1) with ground-state configuration [Rn] 5f14 6d10 7s2 7p1. Removing the most loosely bound valence electron from an isolated gaseous nihonium atom requires a first ionization energy of 705 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, Nihonium occupies Period 7, Group 13 of the p-block (Post-Transition Metals). Along Period 7, it is flanked by Copernicium (Cn, Z = 112) and Flerovium (Fl, Z = 114). Vertically within its periodic family, Nihonium shares valence orbital symmetry and homologous chemical trends with Aluminum (Al), Gallium (Ga), Indium (In), Thallium (Tl). Learners can interactively compare Nihonium's orbital radii, ionization energy, and Pauling electronegativity against all neighboring elements in the Dynamic Periodic Table Lab.
Physical and Thermodynamic Properties: How Does Nihonium 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 nihonium exists as a crystalline solid. As thermal energy increases, its crystal or molecular lattice undergoes solid-to-liquid fusion at a melting point of 700 K (+426.85 °C / +800.3 °F) and transitions to the vapor phase at a normal boiling point of 1,400 K (+1126.85 °C / +2060.3 °F), spanning a liquid thermodynamic range of 700 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 Nihonium'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 13 / Period 7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atomic Number & Symbol | Z = 113 (Nh) | 113 nuclear protons; nuclear charge +113e | Located in Period 7, Group 13 (p-block) |
| Standard Atomic Weight | 286 u (g/mol) | Abundance-weighted isotopic nucleon mass | ~173 neutrons in dominant/reference mass number |
| Electron Configuration | [Rn] 5f14 6d10 7s2 7p1 | Shells: 2 · 8 · 18 · 32 · 32 · 18 · 3 (3 outer-shell e−) | Post-Transition Metals valence orbital architecture |
| Electronegativity & Ionization | χ = N/A; IE1 = 705 kJ/mol | Pauling bond polarity scale & first valence ionization enthalpy | Governs covalent vs. ionic bond character |
| Melting & Boiling Points | MP: 700 K; BP: 1400 K | Cohesive lattice energy and intermolecular forces | STP (298 K) phase: SOLID (Liquid range: 700 K) |
| Principal Oxidation States | +1, +3 | Valence electron donation, sharing, or acceptance | Discovered / First Isolated: 2004 |
Chemical Reactivity, Bonding, and Oxidation States: How Does Nihonium 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, nihonium exhibits characteristic oxidation states of +1, +3. 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)—nihonium 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 2004, Nihonium carries a distinct cosmological and geochemical signature. As a synthetic transuranic element (Z = 113), nihonium 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 Nihonium Important in Nature and Technology?
Biochemical Classification: Abiotic / Technological / Synthetic
In comparative biochemistry and systems physiology, Nihonium 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
First superheavy element discovered in Asia (RIKEN, Japan) via cold fusion of bismuth-209 and zinc-70 beams. Researchers and students can further investigate Nihonium'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 Nihonium (Nh)?
Nihonium (atomic number Z = 113) has the ground-state electron configuration [Rn] 5f14 6d10 7s2 7p1, distributing its 113 electrons across 7 shells as 2 · 8 · 18 · 32 · 32 · 18 · 3. Its outermost shell contains 3 electrons, placing Nihonium in Group 13, Period 7 (p-block) as a member of the Post-Transition Metals. You can watch these 113 electrons orbit the nucleus in real time in the Dynamic Periodic Table Bohr Lab.
What phase of matter is Nihonium at room temperature, and when does it melt or boil?
At standard room temperature (298 K / 25 °C) and 1 atm pressure, Nihonium is a crystalline solid. It melts at 700 K (+426.85 °C / +800.3 °F) and boils at 1,400 K (+1126.85 °C / +2060.3 °F). Using the 0–6,000 K temperature slider in the Interactive Periodic Table, you can observe Nihonium's exact solid, liquid, and gas transitions relative to all other elements.
How does Nihonium function in biochemistry, materials science, and technology?
First superheavy element discovered in Asia (RIKEN, Japan) via cold fusion of bismuth-209 and zinc-70 beams. In biological systems, it is categorized under Abiotic / Technological / Synthetic, with principal oxidation states of +1, +3 and a first ionization energy of 705 kJ/mol.