Tennessine
Tennessine (Ts, atomic number 117) is a Period 7 halogen (p-block, 294 u). Second-heaviest known element, synthesized using a ²⁴⁹Bk target produced at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Relativistic effects make it behave more like a volatile metalloid t
Tennessine is a chemical element on the periodic table with the atomic symbol Ts, atomic number 117, and standard atomic weight 294 u. Classified as a Halogen within Group 17 and Period 7 (p-block), tennessine possesses a ground-state electron configuration of [Rn] 5f14 6d10 7s2 7p5 distributed across 7 concentric Bohr electron shells (2 · 8 · 18 · 32 · 32 · 18 · 7) with 7 outer-shell electrons. Second-heaviest known element, synthesized using a ²⁴⁹Bk target produced at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Relativistic effects make it behave more like a volatile metalloid than a classical diatomic halogen.
⚛️ Interactive Periodic Table Lab: Explore Tennessine (Ts, Z = 117) in the CRV Science Dynamic Periodic Table & Bohr Orbital Lab to visualize its animated 2 · 8 · 18 · 32 · 32 · 18 · 7 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 Tennessine?
Electron Shell Architecture and Ground-State Configuration
A neutral atom of tennessine contains 117 protons in its atomic nucleus balanced by 117 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): 7e−), terminating in the directional dumbbell-shaped p-orbital (azimuthal quantum number l = 1) with ground-state configuration [Rn] 5f14 6d10 7s2 7p5. Removing the most loosely bound valence electron from an isolated gaseous tennessine atom requires a first ionization energy of 743 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, Tennessine occupies Period 7, Group 17 of the p-block (Halogens). Along Period 7, it is flanked by Livermorium (Lv, Z = 116) and Oganesson (Og, Z = 118). Vertically within its periodic family, Tennessine shares valence orbital symmetry and homologous chemical trends with Fluorine (F), Chlorine (Cl), Bromine (Br), Iodine (I). Learners can interactively compare Tennessine's orbital radii, ionization energy, and Pauling electronegativity against all neighboring elements in the Dynamic Periodic Table Lab.
Physical and Thermodynamic Properties: How Does Tennessine 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 tennessine exists as a crystalline solid. As thermal energy increases, its crystal or molecular lattice undergoes solid-to-liquid fusion at a melting point of 723 K (+449.85 °C / +841.7 °F) and transitions to the vapor phase at a normal boiling point of 883 K (+609.85 °C / +1129.7 °F), spanning a liquid thermodynamic range of 160 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 Tennessine'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 17 / Period 7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atomic Number & Symbol | Z = 117 (Ts) | 117 nuclear protons; nuclear charge +117e | Located in Period 7, Group 17 (p-block) |
| Standard Atomic Weight | 294 u (g/mol) | Abundance-weighted isotopic nucleon mass | ~177 neutrons in dominant/reference mass number |
| Electron Configuration | [Rn] 5f14 6d10 7s2 7p5 | Shells: 2 · 8 · 18 · 32 · 32 · 18 · 7 (7 outer-shell e−) | Halogens valence orbital architecture |
| Electronegativity & Ionization | χ = N/A; IE1 = 743 kJ/mol | Pauling bond polarity scale & first valence ionization enthalpy | Governs covalent vs. ionic bond character |
| Melting & Boiling Points | MP: 723 K; BP: 883 K | Cohesive lattice energy and intermolecular forces | STP (298 K) phase: SOLID (Liquid range: 160 K) |
| Principal Oxidation States | -1, +1, +3 | Valence electron donation, sharing, or acceptance | Discovered / First Isolated: 2010 |
Chemical Reactivity, Bonding, and Oxidation States: How Does Tennessine Form Compounds?
Characteristic Oxidation States and Coordination Chemistry
As a Group 17 p-block halogen with an ns² np⁵ valence shell (one electron short of a closed octet), it exhibits high electron affinity and oxidizing power, forming halide (−1) anions, covalent organohalogens, and interhalogen compounds. In chemical compounds, tennessine exhibits characteristic oxidation states of -1, +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)—tennessine 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 2010, Tennessine carries a distinct cosmological and geochemical signature. As a synthetic transuranic element (Z = 117), tennessine 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 Tennessine Important in Nature and Technology?
Biochemical Classification: Abiotic / Technological / Synthetic
In comparative biochemistry and systems physiology, Tennessine 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
Second-heaviest known element, synthesized using a ²⁴⁹Bk target produced at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Relativistic effects make it behave more like a volatile metalloid than a classical diatomic halogen. Researchers and students can further investigate Tennessine'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 Tennessine (Ts)?
Tennessine (atomic number Z = 117) has the ground-state electron configuration [Rn] 5f14 6d10 7s2 7p5, distributing its 117 electrons across 7 shells as 2 · 8 · 18 · 32 · 32 · 18 · 7. Its outermost shell contains 7 electrons, placing Tennessine in Group 17, Period 7 (p-block) as a member of the Halogens. You can watch these 117 electrons orbit the nucleus in real time in the Dynamic Periodic Table Bohr Lab.
What phase of matter is Tennessine at room temperature, and when does it melt or boil?
At standard room temperature (298 K / 25 °C) and 1 atm pressure, Tennessine is a crystalline solid. It melts at 723 K (+449.85 °C / +841.7 °F) and boils at 883 K (+609.85 °C / +1129.7 °F). Using the 0–6,000 K temperature slider in the Interactive Periodic Table, you can observe Tennessine's exact solid, liquid, and gas transitions relative to all other elements.
How does Tennessine function in biochemistry, materials science, and technology?
Second-heaviest known element, synthesized using a ²⁴⁹Bk target produced at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Relativistic effects make it behave more like a volatile metalloid than a classical diatomic halogen. In biological systems, it is categorized under Abiotic / Technological / Synthetic, with principal oxidation states of -1, +1, +3 and a first ionization energy of 743 kJ/mol.