Symbol (chemistry)
In chemistry, a symbol is a code for a chemical element.[nb 1] Chemical symbols are one or two letters from the Latin alphabet, but can be three when the element has a temporal name, and are written with the first letter capitalized.
Earlier chemical symbols stem from classical Latin and Greek vocabulary. For some elements, this is because the material was known in ancient times, while for others, the name is a more recent invention. For example, "He" is the symbol for helium (New Latin name, not known in ancient Roman times), "Pb" for lead (plumbum in Latin), and "Hg" for mercury (hydrargyrum in Greek). Some symbols come from other sources, like "W" for tungsten (Wolfram in German, not known in Roman times).
Temporary symbols assigned to newly or not-yet synthesized elements use 3-letter symbols based on their atomic numbers. For example, "Uno" was the temporary symbol for hassium (element 108) which had the temporary name of unniloctium.
Chemical symbols may be modified by the use of prepended superscripts or subscripts to specify a particular isotope of an atom. Additionally, appended superscripts may be used to indicate the ionization or oxidation state of an element. They are widely used in chemistry and they have been officially chosen by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. There are also some historical symbols that are no longer officially used.
Attached subscripts or superscripts specifying a nucleotide or molecule have the following meanings and positions:
- The nucleon number (mass number) is shown in the left superscript position (e.g., 14N). This number defines the specific isotope. Various letters, such as "m" and "f" may also be used here to indicate a nuclear isomer (e.g., 99mTc). Alternately, the number here can represent a specific spin state (e.g., 1O2). These details can be omitted if not relevant in a certain context.
- The proton number (atomic number) may be indicated in the left subscript position (e.g., 64Gd). The atomic number is redundant to the chemical element, but is sometimes used to emphasize the change of numbers of nucleons in a nuclear reaction.
- If necessary, a state of ionization or an excited state may be indicated in the right superscript position (e.g., state of ionization Ca2+).
- The number of atoms of an element in a molecule or chemical compound is shown in the right subscript position (e.g., N2 or Fe2O3). Often omitted if the value is one.
- A radical is indicated by a dot on the right side (e.g., Cl• for a neutral chlorine atom). This is often omitted unless relevant to a certain context because it is already knowable from the charge and atomic number information values.
In Chinese, each chemical element has a dedicated character, usually created for the purpose (see Chemical elements in East Asian languages). However, Latin symbols are also used, especially in formulas.
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20170128143415im_/https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/98/Periodic_table_%28polyatomic%29.svg/220px-Periodic_table_%28polyatomic%29.svg.png)
A list of current, dated, as well as proposed and historical signs and symbols is included here with its signification. Also given is each element's atomic number, atomic weight or the atomic mass of the most stable isotope, group and period numbers on the periodic table, and etymology of the symbol.
Contents
Symbols[edit]
Symbol | Name | Etymology of symbol | Atomic number | Relative atomic mass | Group | Period | Metallic character |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ac | Actinium | Greek aktinos (ray) | 89 | [nb 2] | [227]7 | Actinide | |
Ag | Silver | Latin argentum (silver) | 47 | [nb 3] | 107.8682(2)11 | 5 | Transition metal |
Al | Aluminium (aluminum) | Latin alumen (alum) | 13 | 26.9815386(8) | 13 | 3 | Post-transition metal |
Am | Americium | the Americas | 95 | [nb 2] | [243]7 | Actinide | |
Ar | Argon | Greek argon (inert) | 18 | [nb 3][nb 4] | 39.948(1)18 | 3 | Noble gas |
As | Arsenic | Greek arsenikos (male) | 33 | 74.92160(2) | 15 | 4 | Metalloid |
At | Astatine | Greek astatos (unstable) | 85 | [nb 2] | [210]17 | 6 | Metalloid |
Au | Gold | Latin aurum (gold) | 79 | 196.966569(4) | 11 | 6 | Transition metal |
B | Boron | borax | 5 | [nb 3][nb 4][nb 5] | 10.811(7)13 | 2 | Metalloid |
Ba | Barium | Greek barys (density) | 56 | 137.327(7) | 2 | 6 | Alkaline earth metal |
Be | Beryllium | beryl | 4 | 9.012182(3) | 2 | 2 | Alkaline earth metal |
Bh | Bohrium | Niels Bohr | 107 | [nb 2] | [264]7 | 7 | Transition metal |
Bi | Bismuth | Arabic bi ismud or German weiße Masse (white mass), later Wismuth (white-mass), becoming bismuth in English | 83 | 208.98040(1) | 15 | 6 | Post-transition metal |
Bk | Berkelium | Berkeley, California | 97 | [nb 2] | [247]7 | Actinide | |
Br | Bromine | Greek bromos (stench) | 35 | 79.904(1) | 17 | 4 | Diatomic nonmetal |
C | Carbon | Latin carbo (charcoal) | 6 | [nb 3][nb 4] | 12.0107(8)14 | 2 | Polyatomic nonmetal |
Ca | Calcium | Latin calx (lime) | 20 | [nb 3] | 40.078(4)2 | 4 | Alkaline earth metal |
Cd | Cadmium | Greek kadmia (earth) | 48 | [nb 3] | 112.411(8)12 | 5 | Transition metal |
Ce | Cerium | Ceres | 58 | [nb 3] | 140.116(1)6 | Lanthanide | |
Cf | Californium | State and University of California | 98 | [nb 2] | [251]7 | Actinide | |
Cl | Chlorine | Greek chloros (green-yellow) | 17 | [nb 3][nb 4][nb 5] | 35.453(2)17 | 3 | Diatomic nonmetal |
Cm | Curium | Pierre and Marie Curie and the traditional -um ending | 96 | [nb 2] | [247]7 | Actinide | |
Cn | Copernicium | Nicolaus Copernicus | 112 | [nb 2] | [285]12 | 7 | Transition metal |
Co | Cobalt | German Kobold | 27 | 58.933195(5) | 9 | 4 | Transition metal |
Cr | Chromium | Greek chroma (color) | 24 | 51.9961(6) | 6 | 4 | Transition metal |
Cs | Caesium (cesium) | Latin caesius (sky blue) | 55 | 132.9054519(2) | 1 | 6 | Alkali metal |
Cu | Copper | Latin Cuprum (Cyprus) | 29 | [nb 4] | 63.546(3)11 | 4 | Transition metal |
Db | Dubnium | Dubna, Russia | 105 | [nb 2] | [262]5 | 7 | Transition metal |
Ds | Darmstadtium | Darmstadt, Germany | 110 | [nb 2] | [271]10 | 7 | Unknown |
Dy | Dysprosium | Greek dysprositos | 66 | [nb 3] | 162.500(1)6 | Lanthanide | |
Er | Erbium | Ytterby, Sweden | 68 | [nb 3] | 167.259(3)6 | Lanthanide | |
Es | Einsteinium | Albert Einstein | 99 | [nb 2] | [252]7 | Actinide | |
Eu | Europium | Europe | 63 | [nb 3] | 151.964(1)6 | Lanthanide | |
F | Fluorine | Latin fluo (flow) | 9 | 18.9984032(5) | 17 | 2 | Diatomic nonmetal |
Fe | Iron | Latin ferrum (iron) | 26 | 55.845(2) | 8 | 4 | Transition metal |
Fl | Flerovium | Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions | 114 | [nb 2] | [289]14 | 7 | Unknown |
Fm | Fermium | Enrico Fermi | 100 | [nb 2] | [257]7 | Actinide | |
Fr | Francium | France | 87 | [nb 2] | [223]1 | 7 | Alkali metal |
Ga | Gallium | Latin Gallia (Gaul) | 31 | 69.723(1) | 13 | 4 | Post-transition metal |
Gd | Gadolinium | gadolinite | 64 | [nb 3] | 157.25(3)6 | Lanthanide | |
Ge | Germanium | Germany | 32 | 72.64(1) | 14 | 4 | Metalloid |
H | Hydrogen | Greek hydor gennao (liquid-produce) | 1 | [nb 3][nb 4][nb 5] | 1.00794(7)1 | 1 | Diatomic nonmetal |
He | Helium | Greek helios (Sun) | 2 | [nb 3][nb 4] | 4.002602(2)18 | 1 | Noble gas |
Hf | Hafnium | Latin Hafnia (Copenhagen) | 72 | 178.49(2) | 4 | 6 | Transition metal |
Hg | Mercury | Greek hydrargyrum (liquid silver) | 80 | 200.59(2) | 12 | 6 | Transition metal |
Ho | Holmium | Latin Holmia (Stockholm) | 67 | 164.930 32(2) | 6 | Lanthanide | |
Hs | Hassium | Hesse, Germany | 108 | [nb 2] | [277]8 | 7 | Transition metal |
I | Iodine | Greek ioeides (violet) | 53 | 126.904 47(3) | 17 | 5 | Diatomic nonmetal |
In | Indium | indigo blue | 49 | 114.818(3) | 13 | 5 | Post-transition metal |
Ir | Iridium | Greek iris (rainbow) | 77 | 192.217(3) | 9 | 6 | Transition metal |
K | Potassium | Latin kalium (potassium) | 19 | 39.0983(1) | 1 | 4 | Alkali metal |
Kr | Krypton | Greek kryptos (concealment) | 36 | [nb 3][nb 5] | 83.798(2)18 | 4 | Noble gas |
La | Lanthanum | Greek lanthano (escape) | 57 | [nb 3] | 138.90547(7)6 | Lanthanide | |
Li | Lithium | Greek lithos (rock) | 3 | [nb 3][nb 4][nb 5][nb 6] | 6.941(2)1 | 2 | Alkali metal |
Lr | Lawrencium | Ernest O. Lawrence | 103 | [nb 2] | [262]3 | 7 | Actinide |
Lu | Lutetium | Latin Lutetia (Paris) | 71 | [nb 3] | 174.967(1)3 | 6 | Lanthanide |
Lv | Livermorium | Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory | 116 | [nb 2] | [292]16 | 7 | Unknown |
Mc | Moscovium | Moscow Oblast | 115 | [nb 2] | [288]15 | 7 | Unknown |
Md | Mendelevium | Dmitri Mendeleyev | 101 | [nb 2] | [258]7 | Actinide | |
Mg | Magnesium | Magnesia, Greece | 12 | 24.3050(6) | 2 | 3 | Alkaline earth metal |
Mn | Manganese | Greek magnes (magnet) | 25 | 54.938045(5) | 7 | 4 | Transition metal |
Mo | Molybdenum | Greek molybdos (lead) | 42 | [nb 3] | 95.94(2)6 | 5 | Transition metal |
Mt | Meitnerium | Lise Meitner | 109 | [nb 2] | [268]9 | 7 | Unknown |
N | Nitrogen | Greek nitron (niter) | 7 | [nb 3][nb 4] | 14.0067(2)15 | 2 | Diatomic nonmetal |
Na | Sodium | Latin natrium (sodium) | 11 | 22.98976928(2) | 1 | 3 | Alkali metal |
Nb | Niobium | Niobe | 41 | 92.906 38(2) | 5 | 5 | Transition metal |
Nd | Neodymium | Greek neos didymos (novelty-twin) | 60 | [nb 3] | 144.242(3)6 | Lanthanide | |
Ne | Neon | Greek neos (novelty) | 10 | [nb 3][nb 5] | 20.1797(6)18 | 2 | Noble gas |
Nh | Nihonium | Japanese Nihon (Japan) | 113 | [nb 2] | [284]13 | 7 | Unknown |
Ni | Nickel | German Kupfernickel (nickeline) | 28 | 58.6934(2) | 10 | 4 | Transition metal |
No | Nobelium | Alfred Nobel | 102 | [nb 2] | [259]7 | Actinide | |
Np | Neptunium | Neptune | 93 | [nb 2] | [237]7 | Actinide | |
O | Oxygen | Greek oxys (acid) | 8 | [nb 3][nb 4] | 15.9994(3)16 | 2 | Diatomic nonmetal |
Og | Oganesson | Yuri Oganessian | 118 | [nb 2] | [294]18 | 7 | Unknown |
Os | Osmium | Greek osme (odor) | 76 | [nb 3] | 190.23(3)8 | 6 | Transition metal |
P | Phosphorus | Greek phosphoros (light bearer) | 15 | 30.973762(2) | 15 | 3 | Polyatomic nonmetal |
Pa | Protactinium | Greek protos and actinium | 91 | [nb 2] | 231.03588(2)7 | Actinide | |
Pb | Lead | Latin plumbum (lead) | 82 | [nb 3][nb 4] | 207.2(1)14 | 6 | Post-transition metal |
Pd | Palladium | Pallas (genitive Pallados) | 46 | [nb 3] | 106.42(1)10 | 5 | Transition metal |
Pm | Promethium | Prometheus | 61 | [nb 2] | [145]6 | Lanthanide | |
Po | Polonium | Poland | 84 | [nb 2] | [210]16 | 6 | Post-transition metal |
Pr | Praseodymium | Greek prasios (green) | 59 | 140.90765(2) | 6 | Lanthanide | |
Pt | Platinum | Spanish platina (silver) | 78 | 195.084(9) | 10 | 6 | Transition metal |
Pu | Plutonium | Pluto | 94 | [nb 2] | [244]7 | Actinide | |
Ra | Radium | Latin radius (ray) | 88 | [nb 2] | [226]2 | 7 | Alkaline earth metal |
Rb | Rubidium | Latin rubidus (red) | 37 | [nb 3] | 85.4678(3)1 | 5 | Alkali metal |
Re | Rhenium | German Rheinprovinz | 75 | 186.207(1) | 7 | 6 | Transition metal |
Rf | Rutherfordium | Ernest Rutherford | 104 | [nb 2] | 2614 | 7 | Transition metal |
Rg | Roentgenium | Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen | 111 | [nb 2] | [272]11 | 7 | Unknown |
Rh | Rhodium | Greek rhodon (rose) | 45 | 102.905 50(2) | 9 | 5 | Transition metal |
Rn | Radon | radium and emanation | 86 | [nb 2] | [220]18 | 6 | Noble gas |
Ru | Ruthenium | Latin Ruthenia (Russia) | 44 | [nb 3] | 101.07(2)8 | 5 | Transition metal |
S | Sulfur (sulphur) | Latin sulfur | 16 | [nb 3][nb 4] | 32.065(5)16 | 3 | Polyatomic nonmetal |
Sb | Antimony | Latin stibium (eye liner) | 51 | [nb 3] | 121.760(1)15 | 5 | Metalloid |
Sc | Scandium | Scandinavia | 21 | 44.955912(6) | 3 | 4 | Transition metal |
Se | Selenium | Greek selene (Moon) | 34 | [nb 4] | 78.96(3)16 | 4 | Polyatomic nonmetal |
Sg | Seaborgium | Glenn T. Seaborg | 106 | [nb 2] | [266]6 | 7 | Transition metal |
Si | Silicon | Latin silex (flint) | 14 | [nb 4] | 28.0855(3)14 | 3 | Metalloid |
Sm | Samarium | samarskite | 62 | [nb 3] | 150.36(2)6 | Lanthanide | |
Sn | Tin | Latin stannum (tin) | 50 | [nb 3] | 118.710(7)14 | 5 | Post-transition metal |
Sr | Strontium | Strontian | 38 | [nb 3][nb 4] | 87.62(1)2 | 5 | Alkaline earth metal |
Ta | Tantalum | King Tantalus | 73 | 180.94788(2) | 5 | 6 | Transition metal |
Tb | Terbium | Ytterby, Sweden | 65 | 158.92535(2) | 6 | Lanthanide | |
Tc | Technetium | Greek technetos (artificial) | 43 | [nb 2] | [98]7 | 5 | Transition metal |
Te | Tellurium | Greek tellus (Earth) | 52 | [nb 3] | 127.60(3)16 | 5 | Metalloid |
Th | Thorium | Thor | 90 | [nb 2][nb 3] | 232.03806(2)7 | Actinide | |
Ti | Titanium | the Titans | 22 | 47.867(1) | 4 | 4 | Transition metal |
Tl | Thallium | Greek thallos (shoot) | 81 | 204.3833(2) | 13 | 6 | Post-transition metal |
Tm | Thulium | Thule and the traditional -ium ending | 69 | 168.93421(2) | 6 | Lanthanide | |
Ts | Tennessine | Tennessee | 117 | [nb 2] | [294]17 | 7 | Unknown |
U | Uranium | Uranus | 92 | [nb 2][nb 3][nb 5] | 238.02891(3)7 | Actinide | |
V | Vanadium | Vanadis | 23 | 50.9415(1) | 5 | 4 | Transition metal |
W | Tungsten | German Wolfram (wolf-froth) | 74 | 183.84(1) | 6 | 6 | Transition metal |
Xe | Xenon | Greek xenos (alien) | 54 | [nb 3][nb 5] | 131.293(6)18 | 5 | Noble gas |
Y | Yttrium | Ytterby, Sweden | 39 | 88.90585(2) | 3 | 5 | Transition metal |
Yb | Ytterbium | Ytterby, Sweden | 70 | [nb 3] | 173.04(3)6 | Lanthanide | |
Zn | Zinc | German Zinn (tin) | 30 | 65.409(4) | 12 | 4 | Transition metal |
Zr | Zirconium | zircon | 40 | [nb 3] | 91.224(2)4 | 5 | Transition metal |
Legend for category color
|
Antimatter atoms are denoted by a bar above the symbol for their matter counterpart, so e.g. H is the symbol for antihydrogen.
Symbols and names not currently used[edit]
The following is a list of symbols and names formerly used or suggested for elements, including symbols for placeholder names and names given by discredited claimants for discovery.
Chemical symbol | Name | Atomic number | Origin of symbol | Why not used | Refs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
A | Argon | 18 | A used for Argon until 1957. Current symbol is Ar. | [nb 7] | [1] |
Ab | Alabamine | 85 | Discredited claim to discovery of astatine. | [nb 8] | [2] |
Ad | Aldebaranium | 70 | Former name for ytterbium. | [nb 8] | |
Am | Alabamium | 85 | Discredited claim to discovery of astatine. The symbol is now used for americium. | [nb 8] | [2] |
An | Athenium | 99 | Proposed name for einsteinium. | [nb 9] | |
Ao | Ausonium | 93 | Discredited claim to discovery of neptunium. | [nb 8] | [2] |
Az | Azote | 7 | Former name for nitrogen. | [nb 7] | |
Bo | Boron | 5 | Current symbol is B. | [nb 7] | |
Bv | Brevium | 91 | Former name for protactinium. | [nb 7] | |
Bz | Berzelium | Baskerville wrongly believed berzelium to be a new element. Was actually thorium. | [nb 9] | [3] | |
Cb | Columbium | 41 | Former name for niobium. | [nb 7] | [2][3] |
Ch | Chromium | 24 | Current symbol is Cr. | [nb 7] | |
Cl | Columbium | 41 | Former name for niobium. The symbol is now used for chlorine. | [nb 7] | |
Cn | Carolinium | Baskerville wrongly believed carolinium to be a new element. Was actually thorium. The symbol is now used for copernicium. | [3] | ||
Cp | Cassiopeium | 71 | Former name for lutetium. | [nb 7] | |
Cp | Copernicium | 112 | Current symbol is Cn. | [nb 7] | |
Ct | Celtium | 72 | Discredited claim to discovery of hafnium. | [nb 8] | |
Ct | Centurium | 100 | Proposed name for fermium. | [nb 9] | |
D | Didymium | Mixture of the elements praseodymium and neodymium. Mosander wrongly believed didymium to be an element. | [4] | ||
Da | Davyum | 43 | Discredited claim to discovery of technetium. | [nb 8] | [2] |
Db | Dubnium | 104 | Proposed name for rutherfordium. The symbol and name were instead used for element 105. | [nb 7][nb 9] | [2] |
Di | Didymium | Mixture of the elements praseodymium and neodymium. Mosander wrongly believed didymium to be an element. | [4] | ||
Ds | Dysprosium | 66 | Current symbol is Dy. | [nb 7] | |
E | Einsteinium | 99 | Current symbol is Es. | [nb 7] | |
E | Erbium | 68 | Current symbol is Er. | [nb 7] | |
Ea | Ekaaluminium | 31 | Name given by Mendeleev to an as of then undiscovered element. When discovered, gallium closely matched the prediction. | [nb 9][nb 10] | |
Eb | Ekaboron | 21 | Name given by Mendeleev to an as of then undiscovered element. When discovered, scandium closely matched the prediction. | [nb 9][nb 10] | [2] |
El | Ekaaluminium | 31 | Name given by Mendeleev to an as of then undiscovered element. When discovered, gallium closely matched the prediction. | [nb 9][nb 10] | [2] |
Em | Ekamanganese | 43 | Name given by Mendeleev to an as of then undiscovered element. When discovered, technetium closely matched the prediction. | [nb 9][nb 10] | [2] |
Em | Emanation | 86 | Also called "radium emanation", the name was originally given by Friedrich Ernst Dorn in 1900. In 1923, this element officially became radon (the name given at one time to 222Rn, an isotope identified in the decay chain of radium). | [nb 7] | [2] |
Em | Emanium | 89 | Alternate name formerly proposed for actinium. | [nb 9] | |
Es | Ekasilicon | 32 | Name given by Mendeleev to an as of then undiscovered element. When discovered, germanium closely matched the prediction. The symbol is now used for einsteinium. | [nb 9][nb 10] | [2] |
Es | Esperium | 94 | Discredited claim to discovery of plutonium. The symbol is now used for einsteinium. | [nb 8] | [2] |
Fa | Francium | 87 | Current symbol is Fr. | [nb 7] | |
Fl | Florentium | 61 | Discredited claim to discovery of promethium. The symbol is now used for flerovium. | [nb 8] | |
Fl | Fluorine | 9 | Current symbol is F. The symbol is now used for flerovium. | [nb 7] | |
Fr | Florentium | 61 | Discredited claim to discovery of promethium. The symbol is now used for francium. | [nb 8] | [2] |
G | Glucinium | 4 | Former name for beryllium. | [nb 7] | |
Gl | Glucinium | 4 | Former name for beryllium. | [nb 7] | [2] |
Ha | Hahnium | 105 | Proposed name for dubnium. | [nb 9] | |
Hn | Hahnium | 108 | Proposed name for hassium. | [nb 9] | [2] |
Hv | Helvetium | 85 | Discredited claim to discovery of astatine. | [nb 8] | [3] |
Hy | Mercury | 80 | Hy from the Greek hydrargyrum for "liquid silver". Current symbol is Hg. | [nb 7] | [1] |
I | Iridium | 77 | Current symbol is Ir. The symbol is now used for iodine. | [nb 7] | |
Il | Illinium | 61 | Discredited claim to discovery of promethium. | [nb 8] | [2] |
J | Jodium | 53 | Former name for iodine. | [nb 7] | |
Jg | Jargonium | 72 | Discredited claim to discovery of hafnium. | [nb 8] | [2] |
Jl | Joliotium | 105 | Proposed name for dubnium. | [nb 9] | [2] |
Ka | Potassium | 19 | Current symbol is K. | [nb 7] | |
Ku | Kurchatovium | 104 | Proposed name for rutherfordium. | [nb 9] | [2] |
L | Lithium | 3 | Current symbol is Li. | [nb 7] | |
Lw | Lawrencium | 103 | Current symbol is Lr. | [nb 7] | |
M | Muriaticum | 17 | Former name for chlorine. | [nb 7] | |
Ma | Manganese | 25 | Current symbol is Mn. | [nb 7] | |
Ma | Masurium | 43 | Disputed claim to discovery of technetium. | [nb 8] | [2] |
Md | Mendelevium | 97 | Proposed name for berkelium. The symbol and name were later used for element 101. | [nb 7][nb 9] | |
Ml | Moldavium | 87 | Discredited claim to discovery of francium. | [nb 8] | [3] |
Ms | Magnesium | 12 | Current symbol is Mg. | [nb 7] | |
Ms | Masrium | 88 | Discredited claim of discovery of radium. | [nb 8] | |
Ms | Masurium | 43 | Disputed claim to discovery of technetium. | [nb 8] | |
Mv | Mendelevium | 101 | Current symbol is Md. | [nb 7] | |
Ng | Norwegium | 72 | Discredited claim to discovery of hafnium. | [nb 8] | |
No | Norium | 72 | Discredited claim to discovery of hafnium. The symbol is now used for nobelium. | [nb 8] | |
Np | Nipponium | 43 | Discredited claim to discovery of technetium. The symbol is now used for neptunium. | [nb 8] | [2] |
Ns | Nielsbohrium | 105 | Proposed name for dubnium. | [nb 9] | [2] |
Ns | Nielsbohrium | 107 | Proposed name for bohrium. | [nb 9] | [2] |
Nt | Niton | 86 | Former name for radon. | [nb 7] | [2] |
Ny | Neoytterbium | 70 | Former name for ytterbium. | [nb 7] | |
P | Lead | 82 | Current symbol is Pb. The symbol is now used for phosphorus. | [nb 7] | |
Pa | Palladium | 46 | Current symbol is Pd. The symbol is now used for protactinium. | [nb 7] | |
Pe | Pelopium | 41 | Former name for niobium. | [nb 7] | |
Pl | Palladium | 46 | Current symbol is Pd. | [nb 7] | |
Po | Potassium | 19 | Current symbol is K. The symbol is now used for polonium. | [nb 7] | |
R | Rhodium | 45 | Current symbol is Rh. | [nb 7] | |
Rd | Radium | 88 | Current symbol is Ra. | [nb 7] | |
Rf | Rutherfordium | 106 | Proposed name for seaborgium. The symbol and name were instead used for element 104. | [nb 7][nb 9] | [2] |
Ro | Rhodium | 45 | Current symbol is Rh. | [nb 7] | |
Sa | Samarium | 62 | Current symbol is Sm. | [nb 7] | [2] |
So | Sodium | 11 | Current symbol is Na. | [nb 7] | |
St | Antimony | 51 | Current symbol is Sb. | [nb 7] | |
St | Tin | 50 | Current symbol is Sn. | [nb 7] | |
Tn | Tungsten | 74 | Current symbol is W. | [nb 7] | |
Tr | Terbium | 65 | Current symbol is Tb. | [nb 7] | |
Tu | Thulium | 69 | Current symbol is Tm. | [nb 7] | |
Tu | Tungsten | 74 | Current symbol is W. | [nb 7] | |
Unb | Unnilbium | 102 | Temporary name given to nobelium until it was permanently named by IUPAC. | [nb 10] | |
Une | Unnilennium | 109 | Temporary name given to meitnerium until it was permanently named by IUPAC. | [nb 10] | |
Unh | Unnilhexium | 106 | Temporary name given to seaborgium until it was permanently named by IUPAC. | [nb 10] | |
Uno | Unniloctium | 108 | Temporary name given to hassium until it was permanently named by IUPAC. | [nb 10] | |
Unp | Unnilpentium | 105 | Temporary name given to dubnium until it was permanently named by IUPAC. | [nb 10] | |
Unq | Unnilquadium | 104 | Temporary name given to rutherfordium until it was permanently named by IUPAC. | [nb 10] | |
Uns | Unnilseptium | 107 | Temporary name given to bohrium until it was permanently named by IUPAC. | [nb 10] | |
Unt | Unniltrium | 103 | Temporary name given to lawrencium until it was permanently named by IUPAC. | [nb 10] | |
Unu | Unnilunium | 101 | Temporary name given to mendelevium until it was permanently named by IUPAC. | [nb 10] | |
Uub | Ununbium | 112 | Temporary name given to copernicium until it was permanently named by IUPAC. | [nb 10] | |
Uuh | Ununhexium | 116 | Temporary name given to livermorium until it was permanently named by IUPAC. | [nb 10] | |
Uun | Ununnilium | 110 | Temporary name given to darmstadtium until it was permanently named by IUPAC. | [nb 10] | |
Uuo | Ununoctium | 118 | Temporary name given to oganesson until it was permanently named by IUPAC. | [nb 10] | |
Uup | Ununpentium | 115 | Temporary name given to moscovium until it was permanently named by IUPAC. | [nb 10] | |
Uuq | Ununquadium | 114 | Temporary name given to flerovium until it was permanently named by IUPAC. | [nb 10] | |
Uus | Ununseptium | 117 | Temporary name given to tennessine until it was permanently named by IUPAC. | [nb 10] | |
Uut | Ununtrium | 113 | Temporary name given to nihonium until it was permanently named by IUPAC. | [nb 10] | |
Uuu | Unununium | 111 | Temporary name given to roentgenium until it was permanently named by IUPAC. | [nb 10] | |
Ur | Uranium | 92 | Current symbol is U. | [nb 7] | |
Vi | Virginium | 87 | Discredited claim to discovery of francium. | [nb 8] | [2] |
Vm | Virginium | 87 | Discredited claim to discovery of francium. | [nb 8] | [2] |
Va | Vanadium | 23 | Current symbol is V. | [nb 7] | |
Wo | Tungsten | 74 | Current symbol is W. | [nb 7] | |
X | Xenon | 54 | Current symbol is Xe. | [nb 7] | |
Yt | Yttrium | 39 | Current symbol is Y. | [nb 7] | [2] |
Pictographic symbols[edit]
The following is a list of pictographic symbols employed to symbolize elements known since ancient times (for example to the alchemists). Not included in this list are symbolic representations of substances previously called elements (such as certain rare earth mineral blends and the classical elements fire and water of ancient philosophy) which are known today to be multi-atomic. Also not included are symbolic representations currently used for elements in other languages such as the Chinese characters for elements. Modern alphabetic notation was introduced in 1814 by Jöns Jakob Berzelius.
Chemical symbol | Original name | Modern name | Atomic number | Origin of symbol |
---|---|---|---|---|
☉ | Hydrogen | Hydrogen | 1 | Daltonian symbol circa 1808. |
⬤ | Carbon | Carbon | 6 | Daltonian symbol circa 1808. |
⦶ | Azote | Nitrogen | 7 | Daltonian symbol circa 1808. |
◯ | Oxygen | Oxygen | 8 | Daltonian symbol circa 1808. |
⦷ | Soda | Sodium | 11 | Daltonian symbol circa 1808. |
⊛ | Magnesium | Magnesium | 12 | Alchemical symbol. |
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Sulfur | Sulfur | 16 | Alchemical symbol. |
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Pallas | Sulfur | 16 | Alchemical symbol. |
🜍 | Sulfur | Sulfur | 16 | Alchemical symbol. |
ⴲ | Sulfur | Sulfur | 16 | Daltonian symbol circa 1808. |
♂ | Mars | Iron | 26 | Alchemical symbol. |
Ⓘ | Iron | Iron | 26 | Daltonian symbol circa 1808. |
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Stellae Fixae | Copper | 29 | Pre–16th-century alchemical symbol. |
♀ | Venus | Copper | 29 | Alchemical symbol. |
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Copper | Copper | 29 | Alchemical symbol. |
Ⓒ | Copper | Copper | 29 | Daltonian symbol circa 1808. |
Ⓩ | Zinc | Zinc | 30 | Daltonian symbol circa 1808. |
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Arsenic | Arsenic | 33 | Alchemical symbol. |
🜺 | Arsenic | Arsenic | 33 | Alchemical symbol. |
☽ | Luna | Silver | 47 | Alchemical symbol. |
🜛 | Silver | Silver | 47 | Alchemical symbol. |
Ⓢ | Silver | Silver | 47 | Daltonian symbol circa 1808. |
♃ | Iupiter | Tin | 50 | Alchemical symbol. |
♁ | Antimony | Antimony | 51 | Alchemical symbol. |
☾ | Platinum | Platinum | 78 | Alchemical symbol. |
☉ | Platinum | Platinum | 78 | Alchemical symbol. |
⛢ | Uranus | Platinum | 78 | Alchemical symbol. |
☼ | Sol | Gold | 79 | Alchemical symbol from the 16th century. |
☉ | Sol | Gold | 79 | Alchemical symbol from 1700 through 1783. |
🜚 | Gold | Gold | 79 | Alchemical symbol. |
♓ | Pisces | Mercury | 80 | Pre–16th-century alchemical symbol. |
♆ | Neptunus | Mercury | 80 | Alchemical symbol from the 17th century. |
☿ | Mercurius | Mercury | 80 | Alchemical symbol from 1700 through 1783. |
♄ | Saturnus | Lead | 82 | Alchemical symbol circa 1783. |
Ⓛ | Lead | Lead | 82 | Daltonian symbol circa 1808. |
♉ | Taurus | Bismuth | 83 | Alchemical symbol. |
Symbols for named isotopes[edit]
The following is a list of isotopes of elements given in the previous tables which have been designated unique symbols. By this it is meant that a comprehensive list of current systematic symbols (in the uAtom form) are not included in the list and can instead be found in the Isotope index chart. The symbols for the named isotopes of hydrogen, deuterium (D) and tritium (T) are still in use today. Heavy water and other deuterated solvents are commonly used in chemistry, and it is convenient to use a single character rather than a symbol with a subscript in these cases. The practice also continues with tritium compounds. When the name of the solvent is given, a lowercase d is sometimes used. For example, d6-benzene and C6D6 can be used instead of [2H6]C6H6.[5]
The symbols for isotopes of elements other than hydrogen are no longer in use within the scientific community. Many of these symbols were designated during the early years of radiochemistry, and several isotopes (namely those in the actinium decay family, the radium decay family, and the thorium decay family) bear placeholder names using the early naming system devised by Ernest Rutherford.[6]
Chemical symbol | Name | Atomic number | Origin of symbol |
---|---|---|---|
Ac | Actinium | 89 | From the Greek aktinos. Name restricted at one time to 227Ac, an isotope of actinium. This named isotope later became the official name for element 89. |
AcA | Actinium A | 84 | From actinium and A. Placeholder name given at one time to 215Po, an isotope of polonium identified in the decay chain of actinium. |
AcB | Actinium B | 82 | From actinium and B. Placeholder name given at one time to 211Pb, an isotope of lead identified in the decay chain of actinium. |
AcC | Actinium C | 83 | From actinium and C. Placeholder name given at one time to 211Bi, an isotope of bismuth identified in the decay chain of actinium. |
AcC' | Actinium C' | 84 | From actinium and C'. Placeholder name given at one time to 211Po, an isotope of polonium identified in the decay chain of actinium. |
AcC" | Actinium C" | 81 | From actinium and C". Placeholder name given at one time to 207Tl, an isotope of thallium identified in the decay chain of actinium. |
AcK | Actinium K | 87 | Name given at one time to 223Fr, an isotope of francium identified in the decay chain of actinium. |
AcU | Actino-uranium | 92 | Name given at one time to 235U, an isotope of uranium. |
AcX | Actinium X | 88 | Name given at one time to 223Ra, an isotope of radium identified in the decay chain of actinium. |
An | Actinon | 86 | From actinium and emanation. Name given at one time to 219Rn, an isotope of radon identified in the decay chain of actinium. |
D | Deuterium | 1 | From the Greek deuteros. Name given to 2H. |
Io | Ionium | 90 | Name given to 230Th, an isotope of thorium identified in the decay chain of uranium. |
MsTh1 | Mesothorium 1 | 88 | Name given at one time to 228Ra, an isotope of radium. |
MsTh2 | Mesothorium 2 | 89 | Name given at one time to 228Ac, an isotope of actinium. |
Pa | Protactinium | 91 | From the Greek protos and actinium. Name restricted at one time to 231Pa, an isotope of protactinium. This named isotope later became the official name for element 91. |
Ra | Radium | 88 | From the Latin radius. Name restricted at one time to 226Ra, an isotope of radium. This named isotope later became the official name for element 88. |
RaA | Radium A | 84 | From radium and A. Placeholder name given at one time to 218Po, an isotope of polonium identified in the decay chain of radium. |
RaB | Radium B | 82 | From radium and B. Placeholder name given at one time to 214Pb, an isotope of lead identified in the decay chain of radium. |
RaC | Radium C | 83 | From radium and C. Placeholder name given at one time to 214Bi, an isotope of bismuth identified in the decay chain of radium. |
RaC' | Radium C' | 84 | From radium and C'. Placeholder name given at one time to 214Po, an isotope of polonium identified in the decay chain of radium. |
RaC" | Radium C" | 81 | From radium and C". Placeholder name given at one time to 210Tl, an isotope of thallium identified in the decay chain of radium. |
RaD | Radium D | 82 | From radium and D. Placeholder name given at one time to 210Pb, an isotope of lead identified in the decay chain of radium. |
RaE | Radium E | 83 | From radium and E. Placeholder name given at one time to 210Bi, an isotope of bismuth identified in the decay chain of radium. |
RaE" | Radium E" | 81 | From radium and E". Placeholder name given at one time to 206Tl, an isotope of thallium identified in the decay chain of radium. |
RaF | Radium F | 84 | From radium and F. Placeholder name given at one time to 210Po, an isotope of polonium identified in the decay chain of radium. |
RdAc | Radioactinium | 90 | Name given at one time to 227Th, an isotope of thorium. |
RdTh | Radiothorium | 90 | Name given at one time to 228Th, an isotope of thorium. |
Rn | Radon | 86 | From radium and emanation. Name restricted at one time to 222Rn, an isotope of radon identified in the decay chain of radium. This named isotope later became the official name for element 86 in 1923. |
T | Tritium | 1 | From the Greek tritos. Name given to 3H. |
Th | Thorium | 90 | After Thor. Name restricted at one time to 232Th, an isotope of thorium. This named isotope later became the official name for element 90. |
ThA | Thorium A | 84 | From thorium and A. Placeholder name given at one time to 216Po, an isotope of polonium identified in the decay chain of thorium. |
ThB | Thorium B | 82 | From thorium and B. Placeholder name given at one time to 212Pb, an isotope of lead identified in the decay chain of thorium. |
ThC | Thorium C | 83 | From thorium and C. Placeholder name given at one time to 212Bi, an isotope of bismuth identified in the decay chain of thorium. |
ThC' | Thorium C' | 84 | From thorium and C'. Placeholder name given at one time to 212Po, an isotope of polonium identified in the decay chain of thorium. |
ThC" | Thorium C" | 81 | From thorium and C". Placeholder name given at one time to 208Tl, an isotope of thallium identified in the decay chain of thorium. |
ThX | Thorium X | 88 | Name given at one time to 224Ra, an isotope of radium identified in the decay chain of thorium. |
Tn | Thoron | 86 | From thorium and emanation. Name given at one time to 220Rn, an isotope of radon identified in the decay chain of thorium. |
UI | Uranium I | 92 | Name given at one time to 238U, an isotope of uranium. |
UII | Uranium II | 92 | Name given at one time to 234U, an isotope of uranium. |
UX1 | Uranium X1 | 90 | Name given at one time to 234Th, an isotope of thorium identified in the decay chain of uranium. |
UX2 | Uranium X2 | 91 | Name given at one time to 234mPa, an isotope of protactinium identified in the decay chain of uranium. |
UY | Uranium Y | 90 | Name given at one time to 231Th, an isotope of thorium identified in the decay chain of uranium. |
UZ | Uranium Z | 91 | Name given at one time to 234Pa, an isotope of protactinium identified in the decay chain of uranium. |
Other symbols[edit]
- See also Skeletal formula § Pseudoelement symbols.
General:
- An: any actinide
- E: any element or electrophile
- L: any ligand
- Ln: any lanthanide
- M: any metal
- Mm: mischmetall (occasionally used)[7]
- Ng: any noble gas (Rg is sometimes used, but that is also used for the element roentgenium: see above)
- Nu: any nucleophile
- St: steel (occasionally used)
- X: any halogen
From organic chemistry:
- Ac: acetyl – (also used for the element actinium: see above)
- Ad: adamantyl
- Ar: aryl – (also used for the element argon: see above)
- Bn: benzyl
- Bu: butyl
- Bz: benzoyl
- Cp: cyclopentadienyl
- Cy: cyclohexyl
- Et: ethyl
- i-Pr, iPr, Pri: isopropyl
- Me: methyl
- Mes: mesityl (2,3,6-trimethylphenyl)
- Ms: mesyl (methylsulfonyl)
- Np: neopentyl – (also used for the element neptunium: see above)
- Ph: phenyl
- Pr: propyl – (also used for the element praseodymium: see above)
- s-Bu: sec-butyl
- R: usually alkyl; sometimes radical – some unspecified element or radical
- t-Bu: tert-butyl
- Tf: triflyl (trifluoromethanesulfonyl)
- Tr: trityl (triphenylmethyl)
- Ts (occasionally Tos): tosyl (para toluenesulfonyl) – (also used for the element tennessine: see above)
Exotic atoms:
- Mu: muonium
- Pn: protonium
- Ps: positronium
See also[edit]
Notes[edit]
- ^ This should not be confused with formula. When a number is present at the bottom right corner of the symbol of the element, only then is it said to be a formula, but if the number is not present, it is a symbol.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak The element does not have any stable nuclides, and a value in brackets, e.g. [209], indicates the mass number of the longest-lived isotope of the element. However, three elements, thorium, protactinium, and uranium, have a characteristic terrestrial isotopic composition, and thus their atomic mass given.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am The isotopic composition of this element varies in some geological specimens, and the variation may exceed the uncertainty stated in the table.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o The isotopic composition varies in terrestrial material such that a more precise atomic weight can not be given.
- ^ a b c d e f g h The isotopic composition of the element can vary in commercial materials, which can cause the atomic weight to deviate significantly from the given value.
- ^ The atomic weight of commercial lithium can vary between 6.939 and 6.996. Analysis of the specific material is necessary to find a more accurate value.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba Name changed due to a standardization of, modernization of, or update to older formerly-used symbol.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u Name designated by discredited/disputed claimant.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Name proposed prior to discovery/creation of element or prior to official re-naming of a placeholder name.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w Temporary placeholder name.
References[edit]
- ^ a b Holden, N. E. (12 March 2004). "History of the Origin of the Chemical Elements and Their Discoverers". National Nuclear Data Center.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac Leal, João P. (2013). "The Forgotten Names of Chemical Elements". Foundations of Science. 19: 175–183. doi:10.1007/s10699-013-9326-y.
- ^ a b c d e Fontani, Marco; Costa, Mariagrazia; Orna, Mary Virginia (2014). The Lost Elements: The Periodic Table's Shadow Side. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199383344.
- ^ a b Praseodymium. was.chemistryexplained.com.
- ^ IUPAC. "Isotopically Modified Compounds". IUPAC. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
- ^ Morgan, G.T., ed. (1905). "Annual Reports on the Progress of Chemistry for 1904". Journal of the Chemical Society. Gurney & Jackson. 1: 268.
In view of the extraordinarily complex nature of the later changes occurring in Radium, Rutherford has proposed a new and convenient system of nomenclature. The first product of the change of the radium emanation is named radium A, the next radium B, and so on.
- ^ Jurczyk, M; Rajewski, W; Majchrzycki, W; Wójcik, G (1999-08-30). "Mechanically alloyed MmNi5-type materials for metal hydride electrodes". Journal of Alloys and Compounds. 290 (1–2): 262–266. doi:10.1016/S0925-8388(99)00202-9.
- Element name etymologies. Retrieved July 15, 2005.
- Atomic Weights of the Elements 2001, Pure Appl. Chem. 75(8), 1107–1122, 2003. Retrieved June 30, 2005. Atomic weights of elements with atomic numbers from 1–109 taken from this source.
- IUPAC Standard Atomic Weights Revised (2005).
- WebElements Periodic Table. Retrieved June 30, 2005. Atomic weights of elements with atomic numbers 110–116 taken from this source.
- Lapp, Ralph E. Matter. Life Science Library. New York: Time, Inc. 1963.
- Leighton, Robert B. Principles of Modern Physics. New York: McGraw-Hill. 1959.
- Scerri, E.R. "The Periodic Table, Its Story and Its Significance". New York, Oxford University Press. 2007.