Chemical element · reference page

74W

Tungsten

Tungsten is element 74 (W), located in period 6, group 6 and the d block. At room temperature its reference phase is solid. Its electron configuration is [Xe] 4f14 5d4 6s2.

Atomic number74

Standard atomic weight183.84(1)

Group6

Period6

Blockd

Electron configuration[Xe] 4f14 5d4 6s2

Electronic structure

What controls its chemistry

The d subshell participates in the chemistry of tungsten. Transition metals can use electrons of similar energies in bonding, which is why variable oxidation states, coordination compounds and catalytic behaviour are common across the d block.

Its electron configuration, [Xe] 4f14 5d4 6s2, should be read together with the oxidation state of the compound: removing electrons changes which d orbitals are occupied and can alter colour, magnetism, bonding and reactivity.

Chemical forms

Compounds, ions and materials

For tungsten, important chemical forms include metals and alloys, oxides, halides and coordination compounds. Variable oxidation states are common because s and d electrons have similar energies, and ligands around the metal ion can strongly alter colour, magnetism and reactivity.

Physical behaviour

State and phase changes

The reference phase at room temperature is solid. The listed density is 19.25 g/cm³. The melting point is 3 687 K (3 414 °C). The boiling point is 6 203 K (5 930 °C). Pressure, purity and crystal structure can shift measured physical properties.

Occurrence and applications

Where tungsten is found and used

In practice, tungsten is encountered in cutting tools, electronics and alloys.

In practice

Examples of real uses

Cutting tools

Tungsten is used in very hard or heat-resistant materials that keep an edge under severe mechanical and thermal loads.

Electronics

Tungsten is used in electronic components or materials where conductivity, semiconducting behaviour, optical response or chemical stability is useful.

Alloys

Tungsten is added to metals to change strength, corrosion resistance, melting behaviour or high-temperature performance.

Periodic position

What its neighbours tell us

Tungsten is in period 6 and group 6. In the neighbourhood shown here, it lies between tantalum and rhenium in the same period; molybdenum is above it and seaborgium below it in the same group. These positions make it possible to compare atomic size, ionisation energy and bonding behaviour with nearby elements.

Reference data

Physical and atomic properties

Classificationtransition metal

Phase at room temperatureSolid

Electron shells2 · 8 · 18 · 32 · 12 · 2

Density19.25 g/cm³

Melting point3 687 K (3 414 °C)

Boiling point6 203 K (5 930 °C)

Pauling electronegativity2.36

First ionisation energy759kJ/mol

Electron affinity78.76 kJ/mol

Values describe the element or neutral atom where applicable. Physical data can depend on allotrope, pressure and measurement conditions.

History

Discovery and identification

The discovery of tungsten is associated with Carl Wilhelm Scheele. Recognition of the element, isolation of a pure sample and assignment of its modern atomic number did not necessarily occur at the same time.

Isotopes and atomic weight

How isotope composition changes the numbers

The standard atomic weight is 183.84(1). This value refers to the isotopic composition of natural terrestrial material, not to the mass of one specific atom.

Tungsten has at least one stable isotope. Different isotopes have the same number of protons and therefore the same element identity, but different neutron numbers and atomic masses.

Safety

Handling and exposure

The hazards associated with tungsten depend on chemical form, dose and route of exposure. Pure tungsten, its ions and its compounds can have very different biological and environmental effects, so safety data should be checked for the actual substance being handled.