Xenon
| Formula / Notation | Xe |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 131.29 |
| Category | Elements |
What is Xenon?
Xenon is a rare, heavy, colourless noble gas. Despite its reputation as completely inert, xenon forms compounds with fluorine and oxygen. It is obtained commercially from liquid air by fractional distillation.
Formula & Notation
Properties & Characteristics
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Xenon is a rare, heavy, colourless noble gas. Despite its reputation as completely inert, xenon forms compounds with fluorine and oxygen. It is obtained commercially from liquid air by fractional distillation.
High-intensity arc lamps (cinema projectors, car headlights). Flash lamps in photography. Ion propulsion in spacecraft (ion drive). General anaesthetic at high pressures. NMR spectroscopy (Xe-129). Nuclear physics research. Xenon-133 for lung ventilation imaging.
Non-toxic and non-flammable. Asphyxiant in high concentrations. At high pressures acts as a general anaesthetic; anaesthetic effect is irreversible at extreme pressures. Generally considered one of the safest gases to handle.
The formula or notation for Xenon is: Xe