As we’re nearing the end of the calendar year, we’re also getting closer to the end of the International Year of the Periodic Table. It’s been great to celebrate the 150th anniversary of this chemistry icon. Here at the Nature Research Chemistry Community we’ve enjoyed reading all the posts that were submitted to the IYPT2019 channel.
But the International Year of the Periodic Table also got us all talking about some of our favourite elements. Admit it, you probably have a favourite, too. It could be an element that you’ve studied closely, or one with a history you enjoyed learning about. Maybe it’s hydrogen for being the lightest and – let’s face it – a bit lonely up there in the corner of the periodic table. Maybe it’s tennessine, for being one of the most recently discovered. And do all organic chemists really love carbon the most?
So, let us know in the comments: With 118 known elements to choose from, which one is your favourite, and why?