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Oganesson is a chemical element on the periodic table with the atomic symbol Og, atomic number 118, and standard atomic weight 294 u. Classified as a Noble Gas within Group 18 and Period 7 (p-block), oganesson possesses a ground-state electron configuration of [Rn] 5f¹⁴ 6d¹⁰ 7s² 7p⁶ distributed across 7 concentric Bohr electron shells (2 · 8 · 18 · 32 · 32 · 18 · 8) with 8 outer-shell electrons. Heaviest element on the periodic table (Z = 118), named after nuclear physicist Yuri Oganessian. Relativistic spin-orbit effects blur its electron shells into a Fermi-gas-like distribution and make it a solid semiconductor at room temperature rather than a gas!

⚛️ Interactive Periodic Table Lab: Explore Oganesson (Og, Z = 118) in the CRV Science Dynamic Periodic Table & Bohr Orbital Lab to visualize its animated 2 · 8 · 18 · 32 · 32 · 18 · 8 electron shells, simulate live phase transitions from 0 K to 6,000 K, and compare periodic heatmaps across all 118 IUPAC elements.

Electron Shell Architecture and Ground-State Configuration

A neutral atom of oganesson contains 118 protons in its atomic nucleus balanced by 118 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): 8e⁻), terminating in the directional dumbbell-shaped p-orbital (azimuthal quantum number l = 1) with ground-state configuration [Rn] 5f¹⁴ 6d¹⁰ 7s² 7p⁶. Removing the most loosely bound valence electron from an isolated gaseous oganesson atom requires a first ionization energy of 860 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, Oganesson occupies Period 7, Group 18 of the p-block (Noble Gases). Along Period 7, it is flanked by Tennessine (Ts, Z = 117). Vertically within its periodic family, Oganesson shares valence orbital symmetry and homologous chemical trends with Helium (He), Neon (Ne), Argon (Ar), Krypton (Kr). Learners can interactively compare Oganesson's orbital radii, ionization energy, and Pauling electronegativity against all neighboring elements in the Dynamic Periodic Table Lab.

Standard Phase, Melting Point, and Boiling Point Dynamics

At standard ambient temperature and pressure (298.15 K / 25 °C, 1 atm), elemental oganesson exists as a crystalline solid. As thermal energy increases, its crystal or molecular lattice undergoes solid-to-liquid fusion at a melting point of 325 K (+51.85 °C / +125.3 °F) and transitions to the vapor phase at a normal boiling point of 450 K (+176.85 °C / +350.3 °F), spanning a liquid thermodynamic range of 125 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 Oganesson's state transitions in real time alongside enthalpy and entropy phase equilibria.

Quantitative Atomic and Thermodynamic Parameter Matrix

Characteristic Oxidation States and Coordination Chemistry

As a Group 18 noble element with a completely filled valence shell, it possesses high ionization energy and negligible electron affinity under ambient conditions, minimizing covalent bonding except under extreme oxidative or relativistic regimes. In chemical compounds, oganesson exhibits characteristic oxidation states of 0, +2, +4. 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)—oganesson 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 2002, Oganesson carries a distinct cosmological and geochemical signature. As a synthetic transuranic element (Z = 118), oganesson does not persist in primordial terrestrial minerals and is produced atom-by-atom in nuclear reactors or heavy-ion particle accelerators.

Biochemical Classification: Abiotic / Technological / Synthetic

In comparative biochemistry and systems physiology, Oganesson 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

Heaviest element on the periodic table (Z = 118), named after nuclear physicist Yuri Oganessian. Relativistic spin-orbit effects blur its electron shells into a Fermi-gas-like distribution and make it a solid semiconductor at room temperature rather than a gas! Researchers and students can further investigate Oganesson's functional role alongside all 118 elements by launching the Interactive Periodic Table & Element Detective Lab on CRV Science Learn.

What is the electron configuration and valence shell structure of Oganesson (Og)?

Oganesson (atomic number Z = 118) has the ground-state electron configuration [Rn] 5f¹⁴ 6d¹⁰ 7s² 7p⁶, distributing its 118 electrons across 7 shells as 2 · 8 · 18 · 32 · 32 · 18 · 8. Its outermost shell contains 8 electrons, placing Oganesson in Group 18, Period 7 (p-block) as a member of the Noble Gases. You can watch these 118 electrons orbit the nucleus in real time in the Dynamic Periodic Table Bohr Lab.

What phase of matter is Oganesson at room temperature, and when does it melt or boil?

At standard room temperature (298 K / 25 °C) and 1 atm pressure, Oganesson is a crystalline solid. It melts at 325 K (+51.85 °C / +125.3 °F) and boils at 450 K (+176.85 °C / +350.3 °F). Using the 0–6,000 K temperature slider in the Interactive Periodic Table, you can observe Oganesson's exact solid, liquid, and gas transitions relative to all other elements.

How does Oganesson function in biochemistry, materials science, and technology?

Heaviest element on the periodic table (Z = 118), named after nuclear physicist Yuri Oganessian. Relativistic spin-orbit effects blur its electron shells into a Fermi-gas-like distribution and make it a solid semiconductor at room temperature rather than a gas! In biological systems, it is categorized under Abiotic / Technological / Synthetic, with principal oxidation states of 0, +2, +4 and a first ionization energy of 860 kJ/mol.