The Element Rhenium


Rhenium stands off somewhere in the middle in terms of density which is only exceeded by that of platinum, iridium, and osmium and in melting point exceeded that of tungsten and carbon. Other physical characteristics of rhenium include its rare silvery-white appearance and heavy, polyvalent transition metal qualities. Rhenium does not occur freely in nature, but occurs in amounts up to 0.2% in the mineral molybdenite, which is its major commercial source.

The elements main applications include being used in platinum-rhenium catalysts which in turn are primarily used in making lead-free, high-octane gasoline and in high-temperature superalloys that are used to make jet engine parts.

Atomic Number & Chemical Properties


Element Basics:

Chemical Symbol: Re
Atomic Number: 75
Atomic Weight: 186.207
Element Classification: Transition Metal
Discovered By: Walter Noddack, Ida Tacke, Otto Berg
Date of Discovery: 1925 (Germany)
Origin of Name: Latin: Rhenus, the Rhine River.

How to Recognize it at a Party:

Dense, silvery-white metal

Seriously Atomic Information:

Density (g/cc): 21.02
Melting Point (°K): 3453
Boiling Point (°K): 5900
Atomic Radius (pm): 137
Atomic Volume (cc/mol): 8.85
Covalent Radius (pm): 128
Ionic Radius: 53 (+7e) 72 (+4e)
Pauling Negativity Number: 1.9
First Ionizing Energy (kJ/mol): 759.1
Oxidation States: 5, 4, 3, 2, -1
Electronic Configuration: [Xe] 4f14 5d5 6s2

Getting Intimate with Rhenium:

Lattice Structure: Hexagonal (HEX)
Lattice Constant (Å): 2.760
Lattice C/A Ratio: 1.615
Specific Heat (@20°C J/g mol): 0.138
Fusion Heat (kJ/mol): 34
Evaporation Heat (kJ/mol): 704
Thermal Conductivity (@25°C W/m K):
Debye Temperature (°K): 416.00


Society's Questions About Rhenium:

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