Re
Interactive Shell Diagram

Rhenium Bohr Model, Electron Shell Diagram

Visualize the exact electron shell distribution of Rhenium (Re). Its 75 total electrons orbit the microscopic nucleus across 6 quantum energy shells in the specific mathematical pattern 2 – 8 – 18 – 32 – 13 – 2.

Atomic Number: Z = 75Symbol: ReShells: 6Shell Pattern: 2-8-18-32-13-2Valence e⁻: 7

Live Bohr Shell Diagram

Loading Shell Animator...

Shell Distribution:2 – 8 – 18 – 32 – 13 – 2

Rhenium Nuclear Composition

Protons, neutrons, and electrons at a glance

Protons

75

Positive charge carriers in the nucleus

Neutrons

111

Neutral mass carriers in the nucleus

Electrons

75

Across 6 shells: 2-8-18-32-13-2

Detailed Bohr Model Analysis

Rhenium's traditional Bohr model diagram provides a spectacular two-dimensional blueprint of its subatomic structure. By plotting its 75 negatively charged electrons rotating around a positively charged nucleus (containing 75 protons and approximately 111 neutrons), we can visually decrypt its chemical properties.

Across its 6 electron shells, Rhenium distributes its electrons in the following exact hierarchical sequence, from the innermost ring outward: 2 – 8 – 18 – 32 – 13 – 2.

Applying the Bohr Rules to Rhenium

The Bohr model, introduced by Niels Bohr in 1913, radically changed our understanding of atomic structure by proposing that electrons orbit the nucleus in strictly quantized circular energy levels (or 'shells'). For Rhenium, we apply the 2n² rule, which states that the maximum electron capacity of any given shell is determined by two times the shell number (n) squared.

In the case of Rhenium, its 75 total electrons stack outward from the nucleus. The innermost K-shell (n=1) holds 2 electrons. The L-shell (n=2) holds 8. This stacking continues geometrically until we map the entire 2 – 8 – 18 – 32 – 13 – 2 sequence. Because Rhenium is a high-mass transuranic or deep-period element, its inner shells are packed with immense density—holding up to 32 electrons in a single shell. This massive inner core creates a powerful electrostatic shield, severely shielding the outermost electrons from the nucleus and introducing complex relativistic contraction.

The Role of Rhenium's Valence Electrons

When analyzing the Bohr model of Rhenium, the absolute most critical ring is the outermost shell. This layer holds exactly 7 valence electrons.

In chemistry, the core electrons (the inner rings) are chemically inert. They do not participate in bonding. All chemical reactivity, covalent sharing, and ionic transfers are conducted exclusively by the valence electrons. Because Rhenium has 7 valence electrons, it inherently seeks to achieve a stable "octet" (a full outer shell of 8 electrons, or 2 for lightweight elements). Holding more than 4 valence electrons means Rhenium is highly electronegative. It aggressively steals or shares electrons from surrounding elements to perfectly complete its outer ring, typically forming strong covalent bonds or electronegative anions.

Bohr Shell Rules (Quick Reference)

  • 2n² Rule: Shell n holds a maximum of 2n² electrons.
  • Octet Rule: The outermost (valence) shell holds a max of 8 electrons for chemical stability.
  • Aufbau Order: Electrons fill from innermost shell outward.
  • Valence = Reactivity: The electrons in the last shell dictate how the element bonds.

Chemical & Physical Overview

The element Rhenium, represented universally by the chemical symbol Re, holds the atomic number 75. This means that a standard neutral atom of Rhenium possesses exactly 75 protons within its dense nucleus, orbited precisely by 75 electrons. With a standard atomic weight of approximately 186.210 atomic mass units (u), Rhenium is classified fundamentally as a transition metal.

From a periodic standpoint, Rhenium resides in Period 6 and Group 7 of the periodic table, placing it firmly within the d-block. The overarching category of an element—whether it behaves as an alkali metal, a halogen, a noble gas, or a transition metal—is determined exclusively by how these electrons fill the available quantum shells.

Diving deeper into its physical footprint, Rhenium exhibits a calculated atomic radius of 188 picometers (pm). When attempting to physically remove an electron from its outermost shell, it requires a primary ionization energy of 7.833 eV. Furthermore, its tendency to attract shared electrons in a covalent chemical bond—known as its electronegativity—measures at 1.9 on the Pauling scale. These specific subatomic metrics (radius, ionization, and electron affinity) combine to define exactly how Rhenium interacts, bonds, and reacts with every other chemical element in the observable universe.

Atomic Properties — Rhenium

Atomic Mass

186.21 u

Electronegativity

1.9 (Pauling)

Block / Group

D-block, Group 7

Period

Period 6

Atomic Radius

188 pm

Ionization Energy

7.833 eV

Electron Affinity

0.15 eV

Category

Transition Metal

Oxidation States

+7+6+4+2

Real-World Applications

Single-Crystal Jet Turbine BladesPetroleum Reforming CatalystThermocouple Wires (>2200°C)X-Ray TubesRocket Engine Nozzles

Real-World Applications & Industrial Uses

The distinct electronic structure of Rhenium directly empowers its functionality in the physical world. Its specific combination of atomic radius, electron affinity, and valence shell configuration makes it absolutely indispensable across modern industry, biological systems, and advanced technology.

Here are the primary real-world applications of Rhenium:

  • Single-Crystal Jet Turbine Blades: Its baseline chemical reactivity makes it specifically suited for this primary role.
  • Petroleum Reforming Catalyst: Used heavily in advanced manufacturing and chemical processing.
  • Thermocouple Wires (>2200°C)
  • X-Ray Tubes
  • Rocket Engine Nozzles

    Without the specific quantum mechanics occurring microscopically within Rhenium's electron cloud, these macroscopic technologies and biological processes would fundamentally fail to operate.

  • Did You Know?

    One of the rarest elements in Earth's crust (third rarest after At and Fr). Rhenium has the second-highest melting point (3,186°C) after tungsten. Superalloys used in single-crystal turbine blades for jet engines contain up to 6% rhenium — critical for maintaining strength at >1200°C. Rhenium catalysts reform petroleum hydrocarbons.

    Shell-by-Shell Capacity Table

    How each of Rhenium's 6 shells compare to their theoretical maximum

    ShellSymbolElectrons (This Element)Max Capacity (2n²)Fill %
    1K (n=1)22
    100%
    2L (n=2)88
    100%
    3M (n=3)1818
    100%
    4N (n=4)3232
    100%
    5O (n=5)1350
    26%
    6P (n=6)272
    3%

    Shell Comparison: Rhenium vs Neighbors

    ← Previous Element

    W

    Tungsten

    Z=74

    2-8-18-32-12-2 shells

    View Bohr Model

    ⬤ Current

    Re

    Rhenium

    Z=75

    2-8-18-32-13-2 shells

    Next Element →

    Os

    Osmium

    Z=76

    2-8-18-32-14-2 shells

    View Bohr Model

    Frequently Asked Questions — Rhenium Bohr Model

    Authoritative References

    The atomic and structural data for Rhenium provided on this page has been cross-referenced with primary chemical databases. For further primary-source research, consult the following global authorities:

    Bohr Models for All 118 Elements

    Toni Tuyishimire — Principal Software Engineer, Toni Tech Solution
    Technical AuthorFact CheckedLast Reviewed: April 2026

    Toni Tuyishimire

    Principal Software EngineerScience & EdTech Systems

    Toni is specialized in high-performance computational tools and complex STEM visualizations. Through Toni Tech Solution, he architects scientifically accurate, deterministic software systems designed to educate and empower global digital audiences.