STRUCTURE
Explanation of structure, chemical properties, common reaction tendencies, related health effects.

 

______Cadmium is a transition metal in Group #12. It is a soft, bluish-white metal (natural state = solid), which follows the common periodic trends and common characteristics of the transition metals. Cadmium has a total of 48 protons, 48 electrons, and 64 neutrons. The majority of its mass, like other elements, is located in the nucleus where the 48 protons and 64 neutrons are located. Cadmium is known as one of the least reactive metals, and the second to least reactive transition metal (generally). This element's electron configuration is: 1s22s22p63s23p64s23d104p65s24d10. Because of its metallic nature, element #48 is a strong thermal and electrical conductor. At 293K, Cadmium has a density of 8.65 g/cm3 and a molar volume of 13.00 cm3.

Simple electron shell distribution chart

_________Electron configuration chart

 

 

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_____Cadmium (as well as its compounds) are characterized as stable, with low volatility and high melting points. Cadmium's compounds are at opposite extremes to each other, as they can vary from being totally soluble (cadmium chloride), to totally insoluble (cadmium oxide). In fact, its powder form produces toxic tumes when it burns. Although very unique and interesting to work with, Cadmium is a serious health threat and dangerous element to handle.

Health Effects _(Cadmium Oxide)_____________________________________________WARNING! HIGHLY TOXIC!
General >> Probable cancer-causing agent (evidence of prostate and kidney cancer in humans; lung and testes cancer in animals); most probably affects reproductive capability in humans.
Inhalation High Exposure Toxic to the respiratory epithelium, severe bronchial irritation, severe pulmonary irritation,cause permanent kidney damage, can lead to kidney stones, cause emphysema, cause lung scarring, cause permanent kidney damage, can lead to kidney stones, cause emphysema, cause lung scarring...
Exposure Long-Term Can cause anemia, loss of sense of smell, extreme fatigue, staining of teeth, permanent lung damage, nausea, salivation, vomiting, cramps, diarrhea and death (in severe cases).
  Short-Term Can cause flu-like illness, chills, headaches, aching and fever.
   
REACTION
TENDENCIES________________________--_-
with AIR_________________ __mild; with heat, Product = CdO______
with 6M HCl --_______--- __mild; Products = H2 Cd(Cl)2______________-_-_
with 15M HNO3___ __mild; Products = Cd(NO3)2, NOx___________-_
with 6M NaOH __no reaction______________________________--
_
 

 

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