Search Thermo Fisher Scientific
Join the conversation
Primary XPS region: Pr3d
Overlapping regions: Cu2p
Binding energies of common chemical states:
Chemical state | Binding energy Pr3d5/2 |
---|---|
Pr metal | 932 eV |
Symbol: Pr
Date of discovery: 1885
Name origin: Greek prasios and didymos
Appearance: unknown
Discoverer: C.F. Aver von Welsbach
Obtained from: salts
Melting point: 1208 K
Boiling point: 3400 K
Density[kg/m3]: 6640
Molar volume: 20.8 × 10-6 m3/mol
Protons/Electrons: 59
Neutrons: 82
Shell structure: 2,8,18,21,8,2
Electron configuration: [Xe]6s24f3
Oxidation state: 3
Crystal structure: hexagonal
Praseodymium should be stored under a light mineral oil or sealed in plastic, as it will develop a green coating which, in return, exposes more metal to oxidation. First discovered in 1885 by German chemist C. F. Auer von Welsbach, praseodymium’s primary use is as an alloying agent combined with magnesium to create high-strength metals for aircraft engines. Praseodymium is also a necessary element for studio lighting and projector lights used in the motion picture industry. This element forms the core of carbon arc lights. Praseodymium gives glasses and enamels a yellowish color. The element has no known biological role.