Xenon gas

Xenon is a chemical element with the symbol Xe and atomic number 54. It is a colorless, dense, odorless noble gas, that occurs in the Earth's atmosphere in trace amounts. Although generally unreactive, xenon can undergo a few chemical reactions such as the formation of xenon hexafluoroplatinate, the first noble gas compound to be synthesized.

History

Xenon was discovered in England by the Scottish chemist William Ramsay and English chemist Morris Travers on July 12, 1898, shortly after their discovery of the elements krypton and neon. They found xenon in the residue left over from evaporating components of liquid air.

Characteristics

Xenon is a member of the noble gas family of elements, which also includes helium, neon, argon, krypton, and radon. These elements are renowned for their low levels of reactivity with other chemicals. Xenon is unique among the noble gases in its ability to form true chemical compounds.

Uses

Xenon has found wide usage in a variety of applications. It is used in certain types of photographic flashes in photography, in high-performance light bulbs, and as a propellant for ion thrusters in spacecraft. In medicine, it is used as a general anesthetic and in medical imaging.

Safety

Xenon is non-toxic, but it does dissolve in blood and belongs to a select group of substances that penetrate the blood-brain barrier, causing mild to full surgical anesthesia when inhaled in high concentrations with oxygen.

See also

• Noble gas
• Xenon hexafluoroplatinate
• William Ramsay
• Morris Travers