Group Numbers

The group number is an identifier used to describe the column of the standard periodic table in which the element appears.

Groups 1-2 (except hydrogen) and 13-18 are termed main group elements.

Groups 3-11 are termed transition elements. Transition elements are those whose atoms have an incomplete d-subshell or whose cations have an incomplete d-subshell.

Main group elements in the first two rows of the table are called typical elements.

The first row of the f-block elements are called lanthanoids (or, less desirably, lanthanides. The second row of the f-block elements are called actanoids (or, less desirably, actanides.

The following names for specific groups in the periodic table are in common use:

• Group 1: alkali metals
• Group 2: alkaline earth metals
• Group 11: coinage metals (not an IUPAC approved name)
• Group 15: pnictogens (not an IUPAC approved name)
• Group 16: chalcogens
• Group 17: halogens
• Group 18: noble gases

In addition, groups may be idenitifed by the first element in each group - so the Group 16 elements is sometimes called the oxygen group.

There is considerable confusion surrounding the Group labels. The scheme used in WebElements is numeric and is the current IUPAC convention. The other two systems are less desirable since they are confusing, but still in common usage. The designations A and B are completely arbitrary. The first of these (A left, B right) is based upon older IUPAC recommendations and frequently used in Europe. The last set (main group elements A, transition elements B) was in common use in America.