32

Ge

Germanium
72.64 (1)
 Historical Information

Germanium was an element whose existence was predicted by Mendeleev in 1871. He predicted that the then unknown element germanium should resemble silicon in its properties. He suggested therefore the name ekasilicon (symbol Es). His predictions for the properties of germanium are remarkably close to the reality.

Basic Information Shells
  • Name:Germanium
  • Symbol: Ge
  • Atomic number: 32
  • Atomic weight:72.64 (1)
  • Standard state: solid at 298 K
  • Group in periodic table: 14
  • Group name: none
  • Period in periodic table: 4
  • Block in periodic table: p-block
  • Classification: Semi-metallic
 Germanium
Uses Trivia
  • a catalyst
  • alloying agent
  • phosphor in fluorescent lamps
  • use as a gamma-radiation detector

Certain germanium compounds have a low mammalian toxicity, but a clear activity against certain bacteria, which makes them of interest as chemotherapeutic agents.